6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
10.01
Ainars Aunins
FACTORS AFFECTING THE DISTRIBUTION AND NUMBERS
OF WINTERING SEA DUCKS IN THE EASTERN PART OF THE
BALTIC SEA, Ainars Aunins, Leho Luigujõe, Antra Stīpniece
10.02
Jeffrey R. Ball
COMMUNITY-BASED MONITORING OF KING AND COMMON
EIDER NEAR ULUKHAKTOK, NT, DURING SPRING
MIGRATION, Jeffrey R. Ball and Kirsty E. B. Gurney
10.03
Elizabeth S. Bonczek*
IMPACT OF A MID-SUMMER STORM SURGE ON COMMON
EIDERS NESTING ON BEAUFORT SEA BARRIER ISLANDS,
Elizabeth S. Bonczek, Christopher J. Latty, Tuula E. Hollmen,
and Peter Winsor
10.04
Joshua I. Brown*
INTER-SPECIFIC POPULATION DYNAMICS OF THE COMMON
GOLDENEYE AND BARROW’S GOLDENEYE, Joshua I.
Brown, Sarah Sonsthagen, Robert Wilson, Sean Boyd, Sandra
Talbot, Philip Lavretsky
10.05
Michael Casazza
DABBLING DUCK MOVEMENTS: FROM SUISUN MARSH AND
BEYOND, Michael Casazza, Joshua Ackerman, Joseph Fleskes,
Susan De La Cruz, Cory Overton, Mark Herzog, Christopher
Hartman, Cliff Feldheim, John Eadie, Caroline Brady, Jeffrey Kohl,
Desmond Mackel, Mason Hill, Fiona McDuie
10.06
Katrina Counihan
CHARACTERIZATION OF IMMUNE FUNCTION IN STELLER’S
EIDERS, Katrina Counihan and Tuula Hollmén
10.07
Bryan L. Daniels
CLUTCH SIZES OF THE SPECTACLED EIDER ON THE
YUKON DELTA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, ALASKA,
Bryan L. Daniels
10.08
Chris Dwyer
DETERMINING THE SOURCE POPULATIONS OF COMMON
EIDERS IMPACTED BY WELLFLEET BAY VIRUS USING
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA, Chris Dwyer, Sarah Sonsthagen,
Randall M. Mickley, Samantha E. J. Gibbs, Jean-Francois Giroux,
Brad Allen and G. Randy Milton
10.09
Luke J. Fara1*
MIGRATION PATTERNS, HABITAT USE, FOOD HABITS, AND
HARVEST CHARACTERISTICS OF LONG-TAILED DUCKS
WINTERING ON LAKE MICHIGAN, Luke J. Fara, Kevin P.
Kenow, Michael W. Eichholz, and Steven C. Houdek
10.10
Luke J. Fara2
USING THERMAL IMAGERY AND “JUDAS” BIRDS TO
INCREASE CAPTURE OF LONG-TAILED DUCKS ON LAKE
MICHIGAN, Luke J. Fara, Kevin P. Kenow, Michael W. Eichholz,
Brian R. Lubinski, Larry R. Robinson, and Steven C. Houdek
10.11
P-O. Fontaine
CO-CULTURE OF BLUE MUSSEL (Mytilus edulis) AND
SUGAR KELP (Saccharina latissima): EXPLORING THE
POTENTIAL EFFECT OF SEAWEEDS IN DETERRING THE
EFFECT OF DUCK PREDATION ON MUSSELS, CASCAPEDIA
BAY (QC, CANADA), P-O. Fontaine, É. Tamigneaux
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
10.12
Michele D. Goodman
EVALUATION OF PRE- AND POST-SURGICAL LACTATE
LEVELS IN LONG-TAILED DUCKS (CLANGULA HYEMALIS) AS
AN INDICATOR OF HYPOXEMIA, Michele D. Goodman, Glenn
H. Olsen, and Dustin E. Meattey
10.13
Luke C. Hawk
EVALUATING MOVEMENT PATTERNS AND HABITAT
NUANCES OF WINTERING DIVING DUCKS, Luke C. Hawk,
Mason A. Hill, Susan E.W. De La Cruz, Michael Casazza, Joshua
Ackerman, Joseph Fleskes, Cory Overton, Cliff Feldheim, and
Caroline Brady
10.14
Richard Hearn
CAUSES OF, AND RESPONSES TO, DECLINES IN EUROPEAN
POPULATIONS OF LONG-TAILED DUCK AND VELVET
SCOTER, Richard Hearn and Mindaugas Dagys
10.15
Holly L. Hennin
ENERGETIC PHYSIOLOGY MEDIATES INDIVIDUAL
OPTIMIZATION OF BREEDING PHENOLOGY IN A MIGRATORY
ARCTIC SEABIRD, Holly L. Hennin, Joël Bêty, Pierre Legagneux,
H. Grant Gilchrist, Tony D. Williams, and Oliver P. Love
10.16
Mason A. Hill
ENHANCING PREY AVAILABILITY FOR SEA AND BAY DUCKS
INJURED BY THE COSCO BUSAN OIL SPILL IN SAN
FRANCISCO BAY, Mason A. Hill, Kyle A Spragens, John Y.
Takekawa, Susan E.W. De La Cruz
10.17
Kevin P. Kenow
DISTRIBUTION OF WINTERING LONG-TAILED DUCKS ON
LAKE MICHIGAN, Kevin P. Kenow, Steven C. Houdek, Brian R.
Lubinski, Timothy J. Fox, Luke J. Fara
10.18
Mark D. Koneff
EVALUATING HARVEST POTENTIAL AND INFORMATION
NEEDS FOR SEA DUCKS, Mark D. Koneff, Chris P. Dwyer,
Guthrie S. Zimmerman, Kathleen K. Fleming, Paul I. Padding,
Patrick K. Devers, Fred A. Johnson, Michael C. Runge and
Anthony J Roberts
10.19
Charlotte Kilchenstein
A POTENTIAL TECHNIQUE FOR ATTACHMENT OF SOLAR
GPS/GSM TRANSMITTERS ON SURF SCOTERS: SILICONE
HARNESS, Charlotte B. L. Kilchenstein, Alicia M. Wells-Berlin,
Jonathan L. Fiely, K. Mark McBride
10.20
Stéphane Lair
EFFECT OF INTRANASAL MIDAZOLAM HYDROCHLORIDE
ADMINISTRATION ON SURVIVAL OF SURF SCOTERS
(MELANITTA PERSPICILLATA) FOLLOWING INTRACOELOMIC
IMPLANTATION OF SATELLITE TRANSMITTERS, Rozenn Le
Net, Stéphane Lair, Scott G. Gilliland, Timothy D. Bowman,
Christine Lepage, Ariane Santamaria-Bouvier, Daniel M. Mulcahy
and Matthew G. Sexson
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
10.21
Chris Latty
DISEASE AS A POTENTIAL LIMITING FACTOR FOR COMMON
EIDER BREEDING ON BEAUFORT SEA BARRIER ISLANDS,
Christopher J. Latty, Tuula E. Hollmen, Katrina L. Counihan,
Claire K. Montgomerie
10.22
Christine Lepage
RECOVERY DISTRIBUTION OF SURF AND WHITE-WINGED
SCOTERS IN NORTHEASTERN NORTH AMERICA, Christine
Lepage, Scott G. Gilliland, Eric T. Reed, Megan V. Ross, JeanPierre L. Savard
10.23
Holly Hennin
10.24
Leho Luigujõe
WINTER DISTRIBUTION AND TRENDS OF SEADUCKS IN
ESTONIAN COASTAL WATERS IN THE PERIOD 1993 – 2016,
Leho Luigujõe
10.25
Brian R. Lubinski
AN AIRBORNE REMOTE SENSING ALTERNATIVE FOR
CONDUCTING PELAGIC SURVEYS OF LONG-TAILED DUCKS,
Brian R. Lubinski, Larry R. Robinson, Luke J. Fara, and Kevin P.
Kenow
10.26
Kate H. Martin
SPECTACLED AND STELLER’S EIDER RECOVERY
PROGRAM: CONSERVATION STRATEGY, Kate H. Martin,
Neesha C. Stellrecht, Ted R. Swem
10.27
Kathleen McGrew1*
REDUCING GILLNET BYCATCH: SEADUCK UNDERWATER
HEARING THRESHOLDS AND AUDITORY DETERRENT
DEVICES, Kathleen A. McGrew, Christopher K. Williams, Alicia M.
Wells-Berlin, Sara E. Crowell
10.28
Kathleen McGrew2
CAPTIVE RAISED GROWTH MODELS FOR SEADUCKS,
Kathleen A. McGrew, Sarah Fitzgerald, and Alicia M. Wells-Berlin
10.29
Nic McLellan
IDENTIFYING AREAS OF IMPORTANCE FOR SEA DUCKS
THROUGHOUT THEIR ANNUAL CYCLE, Nic McLellan, Tim
Bowman, Sean Boyd, Shannon Badzinski, Christine Lepage
Scott Gilliland, and James Churchill
10.30
Jacob McPherson
(presented by Chris
Williams)
ESTIMATING BEHAVIORAL MULITPLIERS TO RESTING
METABOLIC RATE IN AMERICAN BLACK DUCK AND LESSER
SCAUP, Jacob W. McPherson, Christopher K. Williams, Alicia M.
Berlin, John M. Coluccy
10.31
Micah W.C. Miller*
ASSESSMENT OF BIOINDICATOR APPROACHES FOR TRACE
ELEMENTS AND SUBLETHAL HEALTH EFFECTS IN SEA
DUCKS BREEDING IN ARCTIC ALASKA, Micah W.C. Miller,
James R. Lovvorn, Angela C. Matz, Robert J. Taylor, Christopher J.
Latty, David E. Safine, Tuula E. Hollmén
PRE-BREEDING FATTENING MEDIATES INVESTMENT IN
CLUTCH SIZE IN A CAPITAL-INCOME BREEDING SEADUCK,
Holly L. Hennin, Cody J. Dey, Joël Bêty, Pierre Legagneux, H.
Grant Gilchrist, and Oliver P. Love
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
10.32
William P. Mueller
LONG-TAILED DUCKS IN WESTERN LAKE MICHIGAN, William
P. Mueller, Bryan B. Lenz
10.33
Glenn H. Olsen1
USING I-STAT BLOOD RESULTSTO PREDICT P0ST PTT
IMPLANT SURVIVAL IN LONG-TAILED DUCKS AND SCOTERS,
Glenn H. Olsen, Anand Krishnaswamy, Michael C. Runge, Alicia
M. Wells-Berlin, Dustin E. Meattey
10.34
Glenn H. Olsen2
LONG-TAILED DUCK AND SCOTER HEMATOLOGY AND
SERUM CHEMISTRY, Glenn H. Olsen, Alicia M. Wells-Berlin,
Sara E. Crowell, Kathleen A. McGrew
10.35
John Pearce
VISUALIZING POPULATION DELINEATION AMONG NORTH
AMERICAN SEA DUCKS: MAPS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH
AND MANAGEMENT PLANNING, John Pearce, Mary Whalen,
and Josh Stiller
10.36
Hannah M. Plumpton*
ANNUAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE WINTERING
DISTRIBUTION OF BLACK SCOTERS, Hannah M. Plumpton,
Emily D. Silverman, Beth E. Ross
10.37
Carrick M. Rice*
FORAGING DIVE TIMES OF DIVING DUCKS IN A
FRESHWATER LAKE, Carrick M. Rice, Philipp N. Maleko, Tracey
Rice, and Luke J. Matthews
10.38
Lucas Savoy2
TIMING, DURATION, AND PATHWAYS OF HARLEQUIN DUCK
MIGRATION TO PACIFIC MOLTING AND WINTERING AREAS,
Sean Boyd, Beth MacCallum, Malcolm McAdie, Lisa Bate, Chris
Hammond, Matt Wilson, Joseph Evenson, Susan Patla, Lucas
Savoy
10.39
Lucas Savoy3
CONTAMINANT CONCENTRATIONS IN THE ENDANGERED
SCALY-SIDED MERGANSER FROM RUSSIA, Diana V.
Solovyeva, Lucas Savoy, Oksana Lane, Sergey L. Vartanayan,
Christopher Perkins, and Kevin Regan
10.40
Vera Y. Kokhanova
(presented by Diana
Solovyeva)
SURVIVAL RATE OF SPECTACLED EIDERS ON AYOPECHAN
ISLAND, CHUKOTKA, RUSSIA, Vera Y. Kokhanova and Diana V.
Solovyeva
10.41
Diana V. Solovyeva
WINTER DIVING ACTIVITY OF SPECTACLED EIDER
SOMATERIA FISCHERI AS REVEALED BY PRESSURE TAG,
Diana V. Solovyeva
10.42
Sarah A. Sonsthagen
COAST TO COAST: ASSESSING MIGRATORY CONNECTIVITY
OF NORTH AMERICAN SCOTERS, Sarah A. Sonsthagen,
Robert E. Wilson, Philip Lavretsky, and John M. Pearce
10.43
Kyle A. Spragens
A REVIEW OF SEA DUCK HARVEST IN WASHINGTON STATE:
MONITORING HUNTER PARTICIPATION AND HARVEST
TRENDS, Kyle A. Spragens, Joseph R. Evenson, and Matthew T.
Wilson
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
10.44
Tanner J. Stechmann*
NEST ATTENDANCE PATTERNS OF COMMON EIDERS AT
WAPUSK NATIONAL PARK IN NORTHERN MANITOBA,
Tanner J. Stechmann, David T. Iles, Andrew F. Barnas, Samuel
D. Hervey, Robert F. Rockwell, and Susan N. Ellis-Felege
10.45
Rolanda J. Steenweg*
THE ENERGETIC COSTS AND REPRODUCTIVE BENEFITS
OF MATE GUARDING IN A DIVING SEADUCK, Rolanda J.
Steenweg, Holly L. Hennin, Pierre Legagneux, H. Grant
Gilchrist, Glenn T. Crossin, and Oliver P. Love
10.46
Rune S. Tjørnløv
ASSESSING HUNTING SUSTAINABILITY IN A DECLINING
FLYWAY POPULATION OF COMMON EIDERS, SOMATERIA
MOLLISSIMA, Rune S. Tjørnløv, Morten Frederiksen, Roger
Pradel and Rémi Choquet
10.47
Sadie E.G. Ulman
A SURVEY OF SEA DUCK PREY ITEMS ACROSS FOUR
SITES ON THE YUKON-KUSKOKWIM DELTA, ALASKA,
Sadie E.G. Ulman, Elizabeth A. Ruffman, and Tuula E. Hollmén
10.48
David H. Ward
BREEDING AND MIGRATION DELINEATION OF SURF
SCOTERS WINTERING IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA, David H.
Ward, Corey S. VanStratt, Daniel Esler, Katherine M. Brodhead,
and Brian D. Uher-Koch
10.49
Wilhelm L. Wiese
WHAT’S EATING COMMON EIDER EGGS? NEST CAMERAS
TELL THE REAL STORY, Wilhelm L. Wiese, Tuula E. Hollmen,
Mark S. Lindberg, Christopher J. Latty
10.50
Heather M. Wilson
AERIAL SURVEY DETECTION FOR SPECTACLED EIDERS
AND OTHER WATERBIRDS ON THE ARCTIC COASTAL
PLAIN OF ALASKA, Heather M. Wilson, Robert A. Stehn,
William W. Larned, Tamara K. Zeller, and Robert T. Platte
10.51
Denny Zwiefelhofer
KODIAK ISLAND COOPERATIVE BARROW'S GOLDENEYE
NEST BOX PROJECT, Denny Zwiefelhofer, John Crye, and
Robin Corcoran
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.01: POSTER PRESENTATION
FACTORS AFFECTING THE DISTRIBUTION AND NUMBERS OF WINTERING SEA
DUCKS IN THE EASTERN PART OF THE BALTIC SEA
Ainars Aunins, Leho Luigujõe, and Antra Stīpniece
AA: Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Jelgavas iela 1, Riga, LV-1004, Latvia,
[email protected]
LL: Department of Zoology, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 5,51014 Tartu,
Estonia
AS: Laboratory of Ornithology, Institute of Biology, University of Latvia, Miera iela 3,
Salaspils, LV- 2169, Latvia
The Baltic Sea is one of the largest brackish water bodies in the world, which is known to be
supporting nearly three million sea ducks during the non-breeding season. This study
focuses on the less known eastern part of the Baltic – marine waters of Latvia and Estonia.
Previous surveys indicated that large numbers of Long-tailed Ducks Clangula hyemalis as
well as Velvet Scoters Melanitta fusca and Black Scoters M. nigra use these areas for
wintering, however, none of these earlier surveys covered the whole area. The survey took
place in February 2016. Field transects were chosen so that they would cover the whole
study area – every 3km in the shallow parts and every 6 or 8 km in the deepest parts. Line
transect plane surveys with distance sampling were used for data collection. The total length
of transects was more than 11,500 km. Eco-geographical variables such as depth, water
temperature, salinity, water velocity, availability of different bottom substrates, shipping
intensity and others were collected both for the transect segments and cells of the 1-km
prediction grid. Different combinations of the variables were tried in the GAM models to
explain the recorded distribution of the seaduck species. The obtained GAM models allowed
describing habitat preferences and were used for prediction to create density distribution
maps and estimate population size for analyzed species and species groups. The
abundance of seaducks in winter 2016 was lower than before in most of the sites, however,
new concentration hotspots were discovered in previously surveyed areas. The obtained
distribution maps were used to identify potential gaps in the current network of Marine
protected Areas.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.02: POSTER PRESENTATION
COMMUNITY-BASED MONITORING OF KING AND COMMON EIDER NEAR
ULUKHAKTOK, NT, DURING SPRING MIGRATION
Jeffrey R. Ball and Kirsty E. B. Gurney
JRB: Ducks Unlimited Canada, 17915 118 Ave. NW, Edmonton, AB, T5S 1L6, Canada;
[email protected]
KEBG: Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 115
Perimeter Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0X4, Canada
Climate change is having widespread impacts on natural and human systems. These
impacts are most acute in the Arctic, and marine and freshwater ecosystems are predicted to
be the two systems most affected by climate warming in this region. Inuit are experiencing
these changes first hand and they are concerned about the effects these changes will have
on their subsistence culture. Eiders are more closely associated with the arctic and with sea
ice than most other avian taxa. Numbers of King and Common Eider have declined
substantially in recent decades. Loss of sea ice, altered foraging conditions, overharvesting,
and accumulation of heavy metals are suggested potential mechanisms. We partnered with
the community of Ulukhaktok, NT, in 2016 to survey eider passing the community during
spring migration, and to quantify the level of mercury contamination in King Eider. Large
numbers of eider, particularly King Eider, pass Ulukhaktok during spring migration and
significant numbers are harvested annually. Community members are concerned about the
availability of eider and what contaminants they may contain. Our goals are to 1) estimate
numbers of King and Common Eider passing Ulukhaktok during spring migration, 2) compare
current abundance and phenology to a previous survey conducted in the mid-1990's, 3)
quantify mercury levels in King Eider, and 4) evaluate wintering location factors contributing
to variation in mercury levels within the local southwestern Victoria Island population, and
within a regional/continental population by comparing results from a concurrent study at
Karrak Lake, NU, where the local King Eider population winters in both Pacific and Atlantic
water. This study will provide information on the numbers of eider available to local
harvesters, and insights into variation in contaminant exposure that should prove useful in
evaluating potential risk factors to eider populations and subsistence hunters.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.03: POSTER PRESENTATION
IMPACT OF A MID-SUMMER STORM SURGE ON COMMON EIDERS NESTING ON
BEAUFORT SEA BARRIER ISLANDS
Elizabeth S. Bonczek*, Christopher J. Latty, Tuula E. Hollmén, and Peter Winsor
ESB: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fairbanks, AK USA
(Current address: School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University,
Baton Rouge, LA, USA) [email protected]
CJL: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fairbanks, AK USA
TEH: School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Alaska
SeaLife Center, Seward, AK, USA
PW: School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks,
AK, USA
In a recent climate change vulnerability assessment of birds breeding on Alaska’s North
Slope, Pacific common eider (Somateria mollissima v-nigrum) were reported to be the
highest-risk waterbird, largely due to potential overwash of nests from forecasted sea-level
rise and increases in storm surges. To address this risk, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
and the University of Alaska Fairbanks began a study in 2014 to determine how flooding may
impact the population breeding on the Beaufort Sea barrier islands along 120 miles of the
Arctic Refuge coastline. We located nests by visiting the islands by boat, then monitored
nests with time-lapse cameras and revisited nests to determine fate. We also used high
resolution GPSs to determine the height of nests relative to mean sea-level. Summer 2016
was characterized by unusually low snow extent and record low Arctic sea ice in mid-June.
On July 18, 2016, a storm lasting 36 hours with winds building to 39 mph led to a surge that
brought water levels 1.12 m above mean sea-level and resulted in the inundation of most
common eider nests on the islands. Although storm surges have been observed in the region
during late summer and fall, we are unaware of an event of this magnitude occurring in midJuly, a period when most common eiders are still incubating. Model predictions suggest that
wave heights and storm surges will continue to increase as the sea ice retreats in response
to a warming Arctic, placing the barrier island nesting population of eiders at an increasing
risk in the future.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.04: POSTER PRESENTATION
INTER-SPECIFIC POPULATION DYNAMICS OF THE COMMON GOLDENEYE AND
BARROW’S GOLDENEYE
Joshua I. Brown, Sarah Sonsthagen, Robert Wilson, Sean Boyd, Sandra Talbot, Philip
Lavretsky
JIB: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX,
USA; [email protected]
SS, RW, ST: Alaska Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Anchorage, AK, USA
SB: Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, BC, Canada
PL: Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso,
TX, USA
Some of the highest rates of hybridization occur in waterfowl (Order Anatidae). Within sea
ducks, interspecific gene flow is thought to be most prevalent within the goldeneyes
(Bucephala spp.) as hybrids have been described from all areas of contact. Barrow’s (B.
islandica) and Common (B. clangula) goldeneyes engage in reciprocal nest parasitism,
resulting in nests containing eggs of both species. Social ontogeny has been shown to
constrain species-recognition abilities, potentially leading to misdirected mating efforts (i.e.
hybridization) and interspecific gene flow. Common Goldeneye has a Holarctic distribution
and Barrow’s Goldeneye is primarily restricted to western North America, but they occur
sympatrically in the boreal forest of British Columbia. These species’ reciprocal nest
parasitism, coupled with the general observation of male biased sex ratios within waterfowl
(i.e. unpaired males will be present), led us to hypothesize that gene flow, if any, should
occur symmetrically in areas where the two species are codistributed. Using ddRAD-seq
data, we examined inter-specific genetic variation between Barrow’s (n = 30) and Common
(n =34) goldeneyes. Based on 4315 autosomal and 232 Z-linked loci, we uncovered strong
differentiation between species (global autosomal Φst = 0.53; global Z-linked loci Φst = 0.67)
and identified one putative male F1 hybrid captured in British Columbia with assignment
probability of 55% as Barrow’s and 45% Common goldeneye. Detection of a F1 hybrid in
this locale verifies that cross-species gene flow does occur, although given the high level of
differentiation observed between species it is likely relatively uncommon. Alternatively, F1
hybrids may suffer some reduction in fitness (e.g. via sexual selection).
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.05: POSTER PRESENTATION
DABBLING DUCK MOVEMENTS: FROM SUISUN MARSH AND BEYOND
Michael Casazza, Joshua Ackerman, Joseph Fleskes, Susan De La Cruz, Cory Overton,
Mark Herzog, Christopher Hartman, Cliff Feldheim, John Eadie, Caroline Brady, Jeffrey Kohl,
Desmond Mackel, Mason Hill, Fiona McDuie
MC, JA, JF, CO, MH, CH, JK, DM, FM: Western Ecological Research Center, USGS, Dixon
Field Station, 800 business Park Drive, Dixon, CA 95620, USA, [email protected]
SDLC, MH: Western Ecological Research Center, USGS, San Francisco Bay Estuary Field
Station, 505 Auar Drive Vallejo, CA 94592, USA
CF: California Department of Water Resources, Suisun Marsh Program, 3500 Industrial Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95691, USA
JE: University of California, Davis, Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology,
One Shields Ave. Davis, CA 95616, USA
CB: California Waterfowl Association, 1346 Blue Oaks Blvd. Roseville, CA 95678, USA
Suisun Marsh is the largest estuarine marsh (48,000 ha) on the Pacific Coast of the
coterminous United States and offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe the movements
and resource use of sympatric dabbling and diving duck species. Beginning in 2015, we
have tracked 5 species of waterfowl in Suisun Marsh using 17 gram Ecotone® GPS
transmitters that communicate using the cellular (GSM) network. To date we have marked
268 individuals including five dabbling duck species; Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Northern
Pintail (Anas acutas), Gadwal (Anas strepera), Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata), and
American Wigeon (Anas Americana). To date we have collected over a half million locations
and followed individuals as they move within California during the winter, and in North
America through both spring and fall migrations. Three individuals have been tracked for
more than 500 days and the longest movement track is over 18,000 kilometers. Each
species generally demonstrates specific movement processes. Locally breeding Mallards
and Gadwall typically complete a post-breeding migration to molt in the Klamath Basin.
Northern Pintail emigrate north, mostly to the Prairie Pothole region of the north-central US
and south-central Canada. The varied habitats present Suisun Marsh during the winter
create a hub of co-occurring species that serves as the terminus of autumnal migration.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.06: POSTER PRESENTATION
CHARACTERIZATION OF IMMUNE FUNCTION IN STELLER’S EIDERS
Katrina Counihan and Tuula Hollmén
KC: Science, Alaska SeaLife Center, Seward, AK, USA; [email protected]
TH: Science, Alaska SeaLife Center and University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Fisheries
and Ocean Sciences, Seward, AK, USA
The Alaska breeding population of Steller’s eiders (Polysticta stelleri) was listed as
threatened under the Endangered Species Act due to declines in their numbers and nesting
habitat. The Alaska SeaLife Center maintains a captive population of Steller’s eiders and
their offspring are being used by USFWS to reintroduce the species to the Yukon Kuskokwim
Delta. It is important that the immunocompetence of captive bred eiders is similar to wild
eiders; therefore, this study compared the immune function of captive and wild bred eiders
that are housed at ASLC. Twenty males from four different age classes were included in the
study. This project had three objectives: 1) measure various immune biomarkers to assess
immune function, 2) compare immune function among the different age classes, and 3)
determine if immune function varied between captive and wild eiders. We hypothesized that
immunocompetence would vary among age classes, but not between wild and captive bred
birds. Multiple biomarkers were used to characterize immune function including: total and
differential white blood cell count, immunoglobulin G and total protein content of serum, T
and B cell immunoreactivity and glutathione levels. Nine year old and second year male
eiders had significantly higher immune activity than hatch year and males older than 13
years. Immune function appeared to be influenced primarily by age and not whether the eider
was captive or wild bred. This study provided a baseline of the immunocompetence of
captive male Steller’s eiders at ASLC by evaluating various aspects of their immune function.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.07: POSTER PRESENTATION
CLUTCH SIZES OF THE SPECTACLED EIDER ON THE YUKON DELTA NATIONAL
WILDLIFE REFUGE, ALASKA
Bryan L. Daniels
BLD: Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, Bethel, AK 99559, USA
The spectacled eider (Somateria fischeri) breeds along the coasts of the Bering and Chukchi
seas in western and northern Alaska and northern and eastern Russia. Spectacled eiders
nesting on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta have been in decline since the 1970s (Stehn et al.
1993, Arctic 46:264) and were listed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a threatened
species in 1993. Listing prompted basic biological research and systematic surveys in Alaska
to monitor Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta spectacled eider subpopulations. Recent survey results
indicate that the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta subpopulation may be close to meeting the
minimum population benchmark of ≥ 6,000 breeding pairs to be de-listed. Dau (1976,
Wildfowl 27:111) noted that nesting patterns of spectacled eiders on the Yukon-Kuskokwim
Delta appeared to be dictated by the timing and duration of the spring break-up period. Dau
reported a reduction in mean clutch size in females who initiated later within the same
season. Stehn et al. (1993) provided information on clutch sizes from random plots
throughout the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta from 1965-1992 while the population was in decline.
We plan to look at clutch sizes of spectacled eiders nesting on Kigigak Island on the YukonKuskokwim Delta, Alaska from 1991- 2012 while the subpopulation was beginning to
increase. Our objectives were: 1) to compare clutch sizes within and between years, and 2)
to compare effects of laying date on clutch sizes.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.08: POSTER PRESENTATION
DETERMINING THE SOURCE POPULATIONS OF COMMON EIDERS IMPACTED BY
WELLFLEET BAY VIRUS USING MITOCHONDRIAL DNA
Chris Dwyer, Sarah Sonsthagen, Randall M. Mickley, Samantha E. J. Gibbs, Jean-Francois
Giroux, Brad Allen and G. Randy Milton
CD: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley, MA, USA; [email protected]
SS: USGS, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK, USA
RMM: US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife
Services, Sutton, MA, USA
SEJG: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Laurel, MD, USA
J-FG: Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
BA: Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Bangor, ME, USA
GRM: Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada
Continued annual mortality events of American common eiders (Somateria mollissima
dresseri) during the fall migration on Cape Cod, MA, USA associated with the Wellfleet Bay
virus (WFBV) have led to questions regarding the geographic origin and potential impacts (if
any) of this disease on various population segments of common eiders. The relatively few
band recoveries of eiders found dead on Cape Cod has included birds that were previously
banded in Maine, Nova Scotia and Quebec. However, there continues to be insufficient
numbers of band recoveries for use in identifying the source population(s) of eiders affected,
and likely many areas across the breeding range of common eiders where banding is not
occurring. Gaining a better understanding of the source population(s) of common eiders
involved in these mortality events has become increasingly important given the growing
concern over population trends in various portions of their range.
Common eiders are unique among sea ducks as they exhibit fine scale spatial genetic
structure at both mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Therefore, it is possible to assign birds
collected during these fall mortality events to geographic breeding areas based on their
genetic signature. This study is designed to develop a multi-locus data matrix containing
reference samples from breeding colonies within the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Nova Scotia,
Maine and Massachusetts. Under a scenario of genetic structure among breeding colonies,
we are working toward probabilistically assigning common eiders involved in these annual
mortality events back to their natal breeding areas. This has enabled us to examine the
spatial distribution and proportion of migrant vs. local common eiders that have been
involved in die-off events on Cape Cod, and could be used to support information needs of
managers and decision-makers beyond these annual mortality events where the source
population is of interest.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.09: POSTER PRESENTATION
MIGRATION PATTERNS, HABITAT USE, FOOD HABITS, AND HARVEST
CHARACTERISTICS OF LONG-TAILED DUCKS WINTERING ON LAKE MICHIGAN
Luke J. Fara*, Kevin P. Kenow, Michael W. Eichholz, and Steven C. Houdek
LJF: Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale,
1263 Lincoln Dr., Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA and Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences
Center, US Geological Survey, 2630 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA;
[email protected]
KPK and SCH: Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, US Geological Survey, 2630
Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA
MWE: Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale,
1263 Lincoln Dr., Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
Recent aerial surveys indicate that Lake Michigan supports a considerable number of
wintering long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis). For example, a December 2013 survey
tallied over 18,000 long-tailed ducks (LTDUs) along 2,400 km of transects. Ranking high in
priority with the Sea Duck Joint Venture, LTDUs have been a focal species in a large-scale
wintering telemetry project in the Atlantic and Great Lakes regions to address information
needs concerning population delineation, migration, and ecology. While a large effort has
been placed on radio-marking LTDUs during 2007-2013 on the Atlantic coast and Lake
Ontario, the effort has not yet included Lake Michigan. Additionally, hunter harvest of LTDUs
has increased since 2002, and forage base has likely changed due to invasive species. We
will implant adult female LTDUs wintering on Lake Michigan with satellite transmitters to
determine temporal and spatial patterns of migration, breeding ground affiliations, and site
fidelity. We will conduct a voluntary boat launch survey on Lake Michigan to assess LTDU
harvest, determine harvest rates, species composition, and sex ratios. We will use a
combination of hunter harvested LTDUs and Next Generation Sequencing of fecal DNA to
determine and assess changes in LTDU diet. Results of the study will aid managers as they
deal with outbreaks of type-E avian botulism, near and off-shore wind energy development,
and assessment of hunter regulations. Preliminary results of one or more of these will be
presented.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.10: POSTER PRESENTATION
USING THERMAL IMAGERY AND “JUDAS” BIRDS TO INCREASE CAPTURE OF LONGTAILED DUCKS ON LAKE MICHIGAN
Luke J. Fara*, Kevin P. Kenow, Michael W. Eichholz, Brian R. Lubinski, Larry R. Robinson,
and Steven C. Houdek
LJF: Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale,
1263 Lincoln Dr., Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA and Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences
Center, US Geological Survey, 2630 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA;
[email protected]
KPK, LRR and SCH: Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, US Geological Survey,
2630 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA
MWE: Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale,
1263 Lincoln Dr., Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
BRL: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 3 Refuges, 5600 American Blvd., West, Suite
990, Bloomington, MN, 55437, USA
Locating and capturing long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis) and other pelagic waterbirds at
night is difficult on large bodies of water, such as the Great Lakes, particularly when there is
little knowledge on the locations of night-time distributions. To increase capture
opportunities, two approaches were utilized to supplement our knowledge of LTDU
distribution on Lake Michigan. Aerial thermal imagery was used to locate flocks at night and
guide capture crews on the water. Additionally, a subset of transmitters (n = 5) programmed
to transmit at noon and midnight, were deployed on males, termed “Judas” birds, to
document diel movements. By utilizing these methods, capture was increased from 0.16
birds per hour (0.83 birds per night) to 0.42 birds per hour (2.10 birds per night).
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.11: POSTER PRESENTATION
CO-CULTURE OF BLUE MUSSEL (Mytilus edulis) AND SUGAR KELP (Saccharina
latissima): EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL EFFECT OF SEAWEEDS IN DETERRING THE
EFFECT OF DUCK PREDATION ON MUSSELS, CASCAPEDIA BAY (QC, CANADA)
P-O. Fontaine, É. Tamigneaux
POF: University Center of the Westfjords, Suðurgata 12, Ísafjörður, Iceland, 400;
[email protected]
ÉT: École des pêches et de l’Aquaculture du Québec, Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles, 167
La Grande-Allée Est, Grande-Rivière, Qc, G0C 1V0
In Europe and Canada the economic losses in blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) farms due to
duck predation represent a major problem. In this project, an alternative approach will be
presented to reduce duck predation passively in mussel farms as traditional techniques are
generally neither effective, cost efficient nor without any impact on ducks. These methods
are generally focusing on protecting mussels by isolating them (net, protective socks,
cages…), using passive repellent (mannequins, mirrors, corpses…) or active repelling
techniques (sound, light, chase, lethal force…). These techniques were found to be generally
expensive, prone to habituation, potentially stressful to duck populations and often do not
take in consideration ice cover. To solve this problem, the presented project intends to
introduce sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) in co-culture over a mussel floating line, to
visually shield the mussels. We hypothesize that by hiding the mussels from the ducks vision
field, it will protect the mussels without imposing further stress on the ducks. Additionally, it is
expected that the sugar kelp and blue mussels could benefit from the spatial proximity in
terms of production, consumption and excretion. On the farm production, such design,
allowing a circular economy where the repellent is also a product, could ease the losses
recovery while developing a polyculture model for the farmers. During spring, visual
observation of the migrating flock will be made to insure the validity of the test based on the
occurrence, the length of stay, the species present as well as duck general behavior around
the experimental design. Between April and May 2017, the resulting growth (biomass \
meter), survival rate (density \ meter) and overall quality (Body condition Index) of the mussel
will be assessed and compared to a neighbouring empty line without kelp and to another line
carrying artificial kelp made of polypropylene sheets.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.12: POSTER PRESENTATION
EVALUATION OF PRE- AND POST-SURGICAL LACTATE LEVELS IN LONG-TAILED
DUCKS (CLANGULA HYEMALIS) AS AN INDICATOR OF HYPOXEMIA
Michele D. Goodman, Glenn H. Olsen, and Dustin E. Meattey
MG: Webbed Foot Wildlife, Ambler, PA, USA; [email protected]
GO: USGS Patuxent Wildlife Reseach Center, Laurel, MD, USA
DM: Biodiversity Research Institute and University of Rhode Island, USA
Blood lactate is a biochemical parameter that is known to increase when an organism
undergoes anaerobic metabolism, which can be seen in cases of exertional myopathy,
mechanical obstruction as well as in other stressful events. During a recent field capture
event of long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis) in Nantucket Sound, MA, blood lactate levels
were assessed using a point-of care analyzer both prior to surgery and prior to release.
Results from this study can be utilized to develop novel balanced anesthesia protocols to
mitigate the adverse effects associated with field surgery and improve survival outcomes
post release and can also direct future research into the value of lactate as a marker of
organism stress.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.13: POSTER PRESENTATION
EVALUATING MOVEMENT PATTERNS AND HABITAT NUANCES OF WINTERING
DIVING DUCKS
Luke C. Hawk, Mason A. Hill, Susan E.W. De La Cruz, Michael Casazza, Joshua Ackerman,
Joseph Fleskes, Cory Overton, Cliff Feldheim, and Caroline Brady
LCH, MAH, SDLC: Western Ecological Research Center, USGS, San Francisco Bay Estuary
Field Station, 505 Azuar Drive Vallejo, CA 94592, USA
MC, JA, JF, CO: Western Ecological Research Center, USGS, Dixon Field Station, 800
Business Park Drive, Dixon, CA 95620, USA
CF: California Department of Water Resources, Suisun Marsh Program, 3500 Industrial Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95691 USA
CB: California Waterfowl Association, 1346 Blue Oaks Blvd. Roseville, CA 95678, USA
Methods to evaluate habitat use and localized movements by diving ducks is complicated by
concerns over adverse effects of externally-mounted tracking devices, thus limiting the
spatial resolution of inference for these species. However, regional and sub-bay connectivity
within the San Francisco Bay-Delta system is presently undocumented, but represents a
region of species-specific ecological needs occurring within a mosaic of habitats. The goal of
this project was to test emerging technologies for evaluating wintering diving duck
movements and habitat associations in the San Francisco Bay-Delta region. During the
winter 2015-2016, we deployed 14 solar-powered GPS-GSM backpack transmitters using
custom molded silicone harnesses developed to facilitate transmitter attachment to diving
ducks. Three species were marked in this pilot year: Canvasback (n = 12), Greater Scaup (n
= 2), and Lesser Scaup (n = 1). A total of 4,148 GPS-quality (<20 m) locations were obtained
from marked individuals between December 2015 and May 2016. Individuals used a full
spectrum of habitats from shallow shoals, tidal marsh, managed marsh, and static deepwater ponds within the Bay sites and transitioned inland towards freshwater habitats during
spring months. We describe general movement patterns and habitat nuances highlighted by
this methodology, as well as study design considerations for broader application of this
marking scheme. Given climate change and cyclical drought conditions the importance of
describing key habitat features, spatio-temporal patterns of distribution, and landscape
connectivity for these unique-niche species in this ecosystem is critical.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.14: POSTER PRESENTATION
CAUSES OF, AND RESPONSES TO, DECLINES IN EUROPEAN POPULATIONS OF
LONG-TAILED DUCK AND VELVET SCOTER
Richard Hearn and Mindaugas Dagys
RH: Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT, UK;
[email protected]
MD: Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, Vilnius LT-0842, Lithuania; [email protected]
Large declines in some populations of European seaduck were first detected in 2011. Of
particular concern are Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) and Velvet Scoter (Melanittta
fusca), both of which are thought to have declined by around two thirds since the early 1990s
and are now listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Action planning workshops carried out for the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird
Agreement (AEWA) in 2014 (Long-tailed Duck) and 2016 (Velvet Scoter) identified a number
of potential threats. Of primary concern are: (i) small scale oil discharges in non-breeding
areas and (ii) accidental bycatch in static fishing nets in wintering and staging areas. Other
possible contributing factors include: (i) hunting, (ii) development of offshore infrastructure,
(iii) large scale accidental oil spills, (iv) competition with non-native Round Goby Neogobius
melanostomus, (v) disturbance from shipping, (vi) dredging and dumping of aggregates, (vii)
human disturbance, and (viii) habitat degradation in breeding areas.
Crucially, data to causally link seaduck declines to most of these factors are lacking, limiting
immediate conservation responses. Furthermore, demographic data with which to
understand population responses are also lacking. However, some evidence from wing
surveys of hunters bags, birds caught as bycatch and ratios of juvenile:adult males in winter
flocks suggests that the productivity of Long-tailed Duck has decreased significantly in the
last 30 years. This suggests that in addition to the above threats, most of which are thought
to be impacting over-winter survival rates, factors affecting breeding success in the Arctic
could also be important, at least for Long-tailed Duck.
For an effective conservation response, huge improvements are needed in baseline
monitoring and research of European seaducks, including in the remote breeding grounds. In
particular, this requires the development of well-resourced research programmes, linked to
other established marine and Arctic biological research, aimed at understanding seaduck
declines.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.15: POSTER PRESENTATION
ENERGETIC PHYSIOLOGY MEDIATES INDIVIDUAL OPTIMIZATION OF BREEDING
PHENOLOGY IN A MIGRATORY ARCTIC SEABIRD
Holly L. Hennin, Joël Bêty, Pierre Legagneux, H. Grant Gilchrist, Tony D. Williams, and
Oliver P. Love
HLH, OPL: Department of Biological Sciences and Great Lakes Institute for Environmental
Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada; [email protected]
JB, PL: Département de Biologie, chimie et géographie and Centre d’études nordiques,
Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC, Canada
HGG: Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
TDW: Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
The reproductive phenology of migratory species breeding in seasonal environments is
predicted to be impacted by a combination of arrival condition, arrival date and the ability to
gain in condition once on the breeding grounds. While empirical studies have confirmed that
greater arrival body mass and earlier arrival dates result in earlier investment in reproduction,
no study has yet been able to assess whether individual variation in energetic management
of condition gain impacts this key, fitness-related breeding decision. Using an 8-year dataset
from over 350 pre-breeding female Arctic common eiders (Somateria mollissima), we tested
whether individual variation in two physiological traits influencing energetic management
(plasma triglycerides: physiological fattening rate, and baseline corticosterone: energetic
demand) predicted individual variation in breeding phenology after controlling for arrival date
and body mass. Individuals with higher physiological fattening rates combined with lower
energetic demand had the earliest breeding phenology (shortest delays between arrival at
the breeding grounds and laying, and earliest laying dates). Our results are the first to
determine empirically that individual flexibility in pre-breeding energetic management
influences key fitness-related reproductive decisions, suggesting that individuals have the
capacity to optimally manage reproductive investment.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.16: POSTER PRESENTATION
ENHANCING PREY AVAILABILITY FOR SEA AND BAY DUCKS: RESULTS OF A POST
OIL SPILL RESTORATION PILOT PROJECT
Mason Hill, Kyle A Spragens, John Y. Takekawa, and Susan E.W. De La Cruz
MH, KAS, SDLC: U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, San
Francisco Bay Estuary Field Station, Vallejo, CA 94592, USA, [email protected]
KAS: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, WA 98501, USA
JYT: National Audubon Society, Science Division, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA
The November 2007 M/V Cosco Busan oil spill resulted in significant injury to wintering
waterfowl, especially surf scoters (Melanitta perspicillata) and greater scaup (Aythya marila)
in San Francisco Bay (SFB). To assess the restoration potential of habitat augmentations,
we deployed two types of prey enhancement treatments in SFB: 1) spawning substrates for
Pacific Herring (Clupea harengus pallasi) Eggs on Kelp (HEOK), a significant waterfowl prey
item, and 2) substrates for natural mussel recruitment to increase availability and quality of
prey. Three HEOK rafts were deployed in Richardson Bay Audubon Sanctuary from October
2014 to April 2015. Of the 12 separate kelp deployments, spawn was recorded on 4
deployments, but recorded 3 times on one particular raft. The total number of herring eggs
deposited upon deployed kelp over study duration was estimated at just over 3,210,000
eggs, equating to a potential caloric energy of 15,185 – 26,003 kJ. A number of bivalve
species readily colonized deployed substrates. Present in this “fouling community” were:
California lyonsia (Lyonsia californica) at 52 individuals per m², invasive Asian Mussel
(Musculista senhousia), which averaged 14 individuals per m², the Blue or Bay Mussel
comprising multiple species of the Mytilius sp. complex, which averaged 135 individuals per
m² and the Carinate dove shell (Alia carinata) which had an average of 5 individuals per m².
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) and scaup showed a dramatic increase of individuals during
the spawn period compared to the pre-spawn period and a substantial decline in the post
spawn time period. While restoration of eelgrass as a spawning substrate is planned to
benefit herring damaged by the Cosco Busan spill, the HEOK rafts and bivalve recruitment
methodologies may provide unique benefits to scoters, scaup and other wintering migratory
waterbirds that utilize this food source.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.17: POSTER PRESENTATION
DISTRIBUTION OF WINTERING LONG-TAILED DUCKS ON LAKE MICHIGAN
Kevin P. Kenow, Steven C. Houdek, Brian R. Lubinski, Timothy J. Fox, Luke J. Fara
KPK, SCH, TJF, LJF: Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, US Geological
Survey, La Crosse, WI, USA; [email protected]
BRL: Region 3 Refuges, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bloomington, MN, USA
While the Great Lakes are recognized as an important resource to migrating and wintering
waterbirds, information on the distribution and abundance of long-tailed ducks (LTDUs;
Clangula hyemalis) is limited, especially in the western Great Lakes. Information on Great
Lakes sea duck concentrations is of interest to resource managers as they deal with several
important conservation issues. For example, impact assessment of near-shore and off-shore
wind turbine placement and elucidating factors that influence the outbreak of type-E avian
botulism require better understanding of the distribution, abundance, and temporal use
patterns of waterbirds. We conducted low-level aerial surveys of northern, southern, and
eastern Lake Michigan during migration and winter periods of autumn 2010 through spring
2014 along fixed-width transects. Transects were spaced at 3.2 to 4.8-km intervals, and
extended up to 32 km offshore.
Long-tailed ducks were among the most abundant species observed during our surveys.
The distribution of LTDUs on Lake Michigan was widespread throughout survey areas in
northern Lake Michigan during autumn. During winter months, up to 74% of the number of
waterbirds tallied along survey transects were LTDUs, when largest concentrations were
observed along the Michigan coast from Ludington Bay to Benton Harbor, MI, where water
depths ranged between 10-40 m. A peak count of 17,803 LTDUs was tallied on 18-19
December 2013 during a survey of 1,129 km of transects. An extensive portion of waters up
to 30 km offshore and 50 m deep in the south end of Lake Michigan was also frequently used
by wintering LTDUs. Lake Michigan ice cover extent varied among years, and at times
impacted LTDU distribution. The survey data are useful in delineating areas of conservation
concern for LTDUs. We plan to model the association of LTDU abundance to a suite of
environmental covariates using a hierarchical Bayesian spatial count model.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.18: POSTER PRESENTATION
EVALUATING HARVEST POTENTIAL AND INFORMATION NEEDS FOR SEA DUCKS
Mark D. Koneff, Chris P. Dwyer, Guthrie S. Zimmerman, Kathleen K. Fleming, Paul I.
Padding, Patrick K. Devers, Fred A. Johnson, Michael C. Runge and Anthony J Roberts
MDK: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management, 17 Godfrey
Drive, Suite 2, Orono, ME 04473, USA; [email protected]
CPD: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northeast Region, 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley,
MA 01035, USA
GSZ: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management, 3020 State
University Drive, East, Modoc Hall Suite 2007, Sacramento, CA 95819, USA.
KKF, PIP, PKD, AJR: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management,
11510 American Holly Drive, Laurel, MD 20708, USA.
FAG: U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, 7920 NW 71 Street,
Gainesville, FL 32653, USA
MCR: U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 12100 Beech Forest
Road, Laurel, MD 20708, USA
In 2012, the Sea Duck Joint Venture (SDJV) created a Harvest Management Subcommittee
(hereafter we) and initiated an effort to determine the priority information needs to support
harvest management decisions for 5 focal species: American common eider, surf scoter,
white-winged scoter, black scoter and long-tailed duck. To prioritize information needs, we
assessed the influence of uncertainty in individual reproductive and survival parameters on
the capacity to determine whether contemporary harvest levels exceeded an assumed
management objective of maximum sustained yield (MSY). We compiled estimates from
published and unpublished literature and used them to develop probability distributions for
each parameter that reflected uncertainty about true mean values for each population.
Available field data for these species frequently were collected at small spatial scales (i.e.,
local sub-population), and may not be representative of mean values for the populations of
interest. Therefore, we conducted an expert elicitation to supplement available empirical
data. We used Monte Carlo simulation to propagate uncertainty in demographic parameters
into probability distributions describing uncertainty in the intrinsic rate of increase (rmax),
population size, and harvest (harvest rate for common eider) for each population. We used
the Prescribed Take Level framework to contrast contemporary harvest levels with allowable
harvest levels (i.e., MSY). We assessed the sensitivity of comparisons of contemporary and
allowable harvest levels to uncertainty in each of the demographic parameters, Finally, we
summarized priority information needs for the SDJV by identifying parameters which were
both highly uncertain and had the most influence on the comparison of contemporary and
allowable harvest levels. We present the results of the harvest potential assessment and a
summary of priority information needs for each of the five species.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.19: POSTER PRESENTATION
A POTENTIAL TECHNIQUE FOR ATTACHMENT OF SOLAR GPS/GSM TRANSMITTERS
ON SURF SCOTERS: SILICONE HARNESS
Charlotte B. L. Kilchenstein, Alicia M. Wells-Berlin, Jonathan L. Fiely, K. Mark McBride
CBLK, AMWB, and JLF: Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, US Geological Survey, Laurel,
MD USA; [email protected]
KMM: Waterfowl and Small Game Management Program, Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission, Fellsmere, FL, USA
The effects of climate change and additive stressors from anthropogenic disturbance have
negatively impacted sea-duck populations across North America. To evaluate these impacts,
coelomically implanted PTT transmitters have been used to track sea-ducks, but implanting
tags in the field is logistically challenging, costly, and invasive. No proven technique currently
exists to attach devices externally for long-term tracking of sea-ducks. Compared to surgical
techniques, the ability to externally attach tracking devices reduces handling time and stress
to tagged birds. Additionally, solar-rechargeable GPS/GSM transmitters provide longer taglife, a better relocation rate, and data of higher precision than PTT devices. At Patuxent
Wildlife Research Center, we developed a silicone-based back-pack style harness for use on
surf scoters (Melanitta perspicillata). Diving and behavioral studies conducted with captive
surf scoters provide evidence that these birds can tolerate external devices attached with
flexible, durable silicone, but that we have not yet optimized the design of the equipment
including tag design. A more flexible type of silicone, light-weight attachment materials,
reduced thickness and weight of harness straps, and improvements in fit and positioning of
the device on the dorsal surface of the birds, saw improved results in the second of two pilot
field studies conducted on the Atlantic coast in 2015 and 2016. We recommend conducting
further dive studies to optimize device position to reduce hydrodynamic drag, and improving
transmitter case design so that externally attached equipment can more closely mimic the
streamlined body shape seaducks have evolved to support underwater foraging.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.20: POSTER PRESENTATION
EFFECT OF INTRANASAL MIDAZOLAM HYDROCHLORIDE ADMINISTRATION ON
SURVIVAL OF SURF SCOTERS (MELANITTA PERSPICILLATA) FOLLOWING
INTRACOELOMIC IMPLANTATION OF SATELLITE TRANSMITTERS
Rozenn Le Net, Stéphane Lair, Scott G. Gilliland, Timothy D. Bowman, Christine Lepage,
Ariane Santamaria-Bouvier, Daniel M. Mulcahy and Matthew G. Sexson
RLN, SL, ASB: Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire,
Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada; [email protected]
SGG: Canadian Wildlife Service, Sackville, NB, Canada
TDB: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, AK, USA
CL: Canadian Wildlife Service, Québec, QC, Canada
DMM, MGS: USGS Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK, USA
Intracoelomic implantations of satellite transmitters have been associated with suboptimal
survival rates in surf scoters (Melanitta perspicillata), especially when compared to other
species of sea ducks. It has been proposed that physical exertion and stress associated with
capture, handling, and confinement of these birds results in physiological alterations that
could impact post-surgical survival. The objective of this study was to evaluate if the
intranasal administration of a sedative (midazolam) could improve the survival rate of surf
scoters implanted with intracoelomic transmitters. Midazolam hydrochloride (5 mg) was
administered intranasally to 26 randomly selected female adult surf scoters shortly after their
capture in Forestville (October 2013, Quebec, Canada). The same volume of saline was
given to 26 surf scoters of the same sex and age for comparison. All birds were surgically
implanted with an intracoelomic transmitter equipped with a percutaneous antenna by the
same surgeon. To assess the effect of the treatment, transmitters were programmed to
transmit 2h each day for 30 days post-implantation and survival rate was estimated for each
group using the telemetry data. The association between the administration of midazolam
and survival was assessed while controlling for other factors such as body mass, hematocrit,
plasma total solids, duration of surgery, anesthesia and confinement. Death odds at 30 days
for the midazolam group (23%) was significantly lower than those for the saline group (61%)
(p = 0.004). No other variable was significantly associated with survival. This result indicates
that sedation with midazolam following the capture might increase post-surgical survival in
surf scoters.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.21: POSTER PRESENTATION
DISEASE AS A POTENTIAL LIMITING FACTOR FOR COMMON EIDER BREEDING ON
BEAUFORT SEA BARRIER ISLANDS
Christopher J. Latty, Tuula E. Hollmen, Katrina L. Counihan, Claire K. Montgomerie
CJL: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fairbanks, AK USA;
[email protected]
TEH: College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Alaska
SeaLife Center, Seward, AK, USA
KLC: Alaska SeaLife Center, Seward, AK, USA
CKM: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fairbanks, AK USA
The Pacific common eider (Somateria mollissima v-nigrum; COEI) population declined by
50–90% between 1957 to 1992, and the species is listed as a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Bird of Management Concern and an Audubon WatchList species. Although Pacific common
eiders have declined throughout their range, those breeding on barrier islands in the Beaufort
Sea are considered particularly vulnerable due to small population size, genetic and physical
segregation, and rapid environmental change. These factors may place the population
vulnerable to disease, and disease may be limiting population recovery. Infectious and
parasitic diseases have been documented to cause both mortality and reduced productivity
in COEI across the circumpolar region. In previous studies, evidence of disease exposure
has been detected in COEI in the Beaufort Sea and a novel adenovirus was reported as a
cause of mortality in other sea ducks in the same area. However, the ecology and role of
disease as a limiting factor in COEI in arctic Alaska has not been systematically studied. To
address this, we collected blood and cloacal swabs from nesting and post-breeding COEI
hens across 120 miles of barrier islands in the Eastern Beaufort Sea in 2015 and 2016 and
screened samples for evidence of exposure to avian pathogens. Our results are compared to
previous data collected 15 years ago in the same region.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.22: POSTER PRESENTATION
RECOVERY DISTRIBUTION OF SURF AND WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS IN
NORTHEASTERN NORTH AMERICA
Christine Lepage, Scott G. Gilliland, Eric T. Reed, Megan V. Ross, Jean-Pierre L. Savard
CL: Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Québec,
Canada, [email protected]
SGG: Canadian Wildlife Service, ECCC, Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada
ETR, MVR: Canadian Wildlife Service, ECCC, Yellowknife, Northwest territories, Canada
JPLS: Science and Technology, ECCC, Québec, Canada
Conservation of North American sea ducks is challenging due to considerable knowledge
gaps surrounding key demographic parameters. Scoter demography and harvest are poorly
understood despite undergoing apparent long-term population declines. The objective of our
study was to determine the distribution and level of harvest of Surf and White-winged scoters
(Melanitta perspicillata and M. fusca) banded during the molting period in eastern Canada
from 2004–2013. Estimates of harvest rate were 0.5%–2.4% for Surf Scoters and 0.9%–
3.6% for White-winged Scoters banded in Labrador and Quebec. Harvest rates thus appear
to be relatively low for these species compared to other waterfowl. The harvest locations for
Quebec-banded Surf Scoters occurred mostly in Maryland (27%) and North Carolina (27%)
followed by Quebec (19%), while Labrador-banded birds were recovered in Maryland (40%),
Quebec (11%), North Carolina (10%) and Virginia (10%). For White-winged Scoters, half of
the recoveries of Quebec-banded birds were made in Massachusetts (50%), followed by
Quebec (21%) and Nova Scotia (14%), while recoveries of Labrador-banded birds were split
equally among Massachusetts (20%), Maine (20%), Quebec (20%), Nova Scotia (20%) and
New Brunswick (20%). Surf scoters were recovered in Quebec and Nova Scotia in
September and October, and gradually recovered in U.S. from November through January,
when most of the harvest occurred in Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia. White-winged
Scoter harvest occurred in Quebec in October, progressing towards Massachusetts by
January, where most birds were recovered. The harvest distribution results were consistent
with both species’ wintering distribution as recently identified from satellite telemetry. These
results represent the first direct measures of harvest rate and harvest distribution for Surf and
White-winged scoters. This information will be useful to support harvest management
decisions, clarify migratory pathways, and help decision making for resource development
(e.g., offshore wind energy).
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.23: POSTER PRESENTATION
PRE-BREEDING FATTENING MEDIATES INVESTMENT IN CLUTCH SIZE IN A
CAPITAL-INCOME BREEDING SEADUCK
Holly L. Hennin, Cody J. Dey, Joël Bêty, Pierre Legagneux, H. Grant Gilchrist, and Oliver P.
Love
HLH and OPL: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON,
Canada; [email protected]
HLH, OPL and CJD: Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of
Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
PL and JB: Département de Biologie, chimie et géographie and Centre d’études nordiques,
Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC, Canada
HGG: National Wildlife Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa,
ON, Canada
Many species experience a seasonal decline in clutch size, but few mechanisms have been
tested to account for this relationship. Theoretical models predict two possible, non-exclusive
pathways: poor condition at arrival on the breeding grounds may delay laying and thereby
reduce investment in the clutch, or later arriving females may have reduced resource
availability to support the formation of a large clutch. As such, if lower condition or laterarriving females can gain in condition at a faster rate they may be able to lay larger than
expected, earlier clutches. Energetic metabolites are useful metrics used by physiologists to
estimate an individual's current energetic state, and elevated plasma triglycerides (TRIG) in
particular are useful for estimating fattening rate during hyperphagic life history stages. Lipid
accumulation and management is critical prior to laying in common eiders (Somateria
mollissima), which must accumulate significant fat stores prior to laying to both fuel follicle
growth and deposit the fat stores needed to successfully complete their 24-day incubation
fast. Here we use an 11-year data set collected from East Bay Island, NU, Canada, in prerecruiting, Arctic-nesting female eiders to examine the potential indirect effect that fattening
rate may have on clutch size. Path analytical methods revealed that fattening rate had an
indirect effect on clutch size via a direct influence on the timing of laying: females with higher
fattening rates (TRIG) laid earlier and produced larger clutch sizes. Our results are the first to
provide mechanisms underlying the well-documented seasonal decline in clutch size across
species, namely that fattening prior to breeding indirectly influences reproductive investment
via changes to breeding phenology. Further, this work illustrates that flexibility within
physiological traits can overcome poor arrival condition or late arrival to positively influence
reproductive investment.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.24: POSTER PRESENTATION
WINTER DISTRIBUTION AND TRENDS OF SEADUCKS IN ESTONIAN COASTAL
WATERS IN THE PERIOD 1993 – 2016.
Leho Luigujõe
LL: Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi1, Tartu 51014 Estonia
The present report gives an overview of the land-based counts of waterfowl in Estonia. The
counts were made in mid-January and the counts were organized by the Estonian
Ornithological Society since 1966. The Estonia waters were divided into 7 major-sections, 20
sub-sections and 338 count areas. The land-based survey was based mainly on fixed routes
or observation points at the coast. The wide network of the Estonian Ornithological Society
(150-200) observers covered 80% of Estonian coastline. The key areas of important coastal
wintering sites were visited by professional ornithologist. From the coast, birds were recorded
to a distance up to 2 km, depends the weather condition.
Main results:
• Stellers Eider was increasing up to 1994. After that these species have a decreasing
trend.
• Smew, Goosander and Goldeneye have shown increase.
• Numbers of Mallard, Red-breasted Merganser and Cormorant are stable.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.25: POSTER PRESENTATION
AN AIRBORNE REMOTE SENSING ALTERNATIVE FOR CONDUCTING PELAGIC
SURVEYS OF LONG-TAILED DUCKS
Brian R. Lubinski, Larry R. Robinson, Luke J. Fara, and Kevin P. Kenow
BRL: Migratory Bird Surveys Branch, Division of Migratory Bird Management, US Fish and
Wildlife Service (FWS), Bloomington, MN, USA; [email protected]
LRR, LJF, KPK: Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, US Geological Survey, La
Crosse, WI, USA
Traditional low-level aerial surveys have been used recently to determine waterbird
distribution and relative density on Lake Michigan. Surveys were flown in a fixed-wing
aircraft at an average speed of 200 km/h at about 61 m above the water. Observers tallied
waterbirds within 200 m-wide transects on each side of the plane, although only the outside
165 m were observable. Each observation was recorded using an integrated GPS voice
recording system.
Airborne remote sensing surveys reduce risk to aircrew and eliminate human factors, such
as observer fatigue, effecting target detection. In 2016, the FWS acquired an 80 megapixel
metric grade aerial camera with a 70 mm lens and added a medium wavelength cooled
thermal camera integrated into a direct georeferencing system. This system produces
imagery that can be georeferenced without the need for discernable features within the
imagery, providing a tool to survey pelagic waterbirds during the day and at night. In October
2016, the system was used to locate long-tailed ducks (LTDUs) at night from 610 m above
the water at 230 km/h ground speeds and the location information relayed to capture crews
on the water. In addition, daytime missions were flown to evaluate the efficacy of replacing
traditional low-level surveys with an airborne remote sensing alternative. These daytime
flights were flown at 305 m above the water, and produced 234 m-wide images that were
georeferenced, mosaicked and used to manually count LTDUs with encouraging results.
Thermal imagery collected at night from 610 m above the water produced a 218 m-wide
image (0.17 m ground sample distance) that suggested night time surveys of waterbirds was
possible for certain applications under certain environmental conditions. Efforts are now
underway to develop an automated tool to identify LTDUs within the visible imagery,
necessary to make this remote sensing technique operational.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.26: POSTER PRESENTATION
SPECTACLED AND STELLER’S EIDER RECOVERY PROGRAM: CONSERVATION
STRATEGY
Kate H Martin, Neesha C Stellrecht, Ted R Swem
KHM, NCS and TRS: Endangered Species Recovery Program, US Fish and Wildlife Service,
Fairbanks, AK, USA; [email protected]
The range-wide population of spectacled eiders and the Alaska-breeding population of
Steller’s eiders are listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Region 7
(Alaska) Fairbanks Fish and Wildlife Field Office, which leads recovery programs for both
species, coordinates management actions that are guided by a broad conservation strategy
and conducted by a suite of partners. For spectacled eiders, three breeding populations are
recognized: Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (YKD), Arctic Coastal Plain (ACP), and Arctic Russia
(AR). Monitoring data indicates that the status of the YKD population has improved since
listing, the ACP population has remained stable, and the AR population meets recovery
criteria based on its abundance. The most important element of the spectacled eider
conservation strategy is monitoring population abundance and trend needed to evaluate
status in relation to recovery criteria. For Steller’s eiders, viable populations on both the ACP
and YKD are required to meet recovery criteria established in the species’ recovery plan.
Aerial surveys indicate that roughly a few hundred individuals occur on the ACP although
abundance and reproductive effort appear to vary across the region and among years. The
YKD population is considered essentially extirpated, with only one nest found in the last
decade. The Steller’s eider conservation strategy includes increasing adult female survival
and breeding success of the extant ACP population, and possibly re-establishment of a
viable population on the YKD through reintroduction. Management actions being
implemented on the ACP include: research and monitoring, outreach and law enforcement to
reduce shooting mortality and use of lead shot, arctic fox and raven control near Barrow to
increase nest and brood success, and reducing habitat loss and disturbance through the
ESA Section 7 consultation process. The feasibility of reintroduction of Steller’s eiders to the
YKD is being evaluated through an experimental pilot project begun in 2015.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.27: POSTER PRESENTATION
REDUCING GILLNET BYCATCH: SEADUCK UNDERWATER HEARING THRESHOLDS
AND AUDITORY DETERRENT DEVICES
Kathleen A. McGrew1, Christopher K. Williams, Alicia M. Wells-Berlin, Sara E. Crowell
KAM and CKW: University of Delaware, Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology,
Newark DE
AMW and SEC: United States Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel
MD
As diving foragers, seaducks are vulnerable to underwater human activities, including naval
sonar activity, seismic surveys, construction, and gillnet fisheries. Bycatch in gillnets is an
important source of mortality for seaducks and other marine birds, killing hundreds of
thousands of seabirds annually. While several studies have looked at the potential of
acoustic deterrents to lower bycatch risk for marine mammals, sea turtles, and some species
of seabirds, there has been very little work done to determine the potential for these types of
devices to reduce seaduck bycatch. Understanding of underwater acoustic sensitivity in
diving birds is important for the design of acoustic deterrent devices and evaluation of their
effects on reducing bycatch. In addition, hearing sensitivity measurements provide
information on possible behavioral and physiological impacts of man-made noise sources in
aquatic environments. We are investigating underwater hearing in captive seaduck species
in order to determine the efficacy of commercially available auditory deterrents, such as
pingers, to specifically reduce seaduck bycatch. We hand-raised long-tailed ducks (Clangula
hyemalis), surf scoters (Melanitta perspicillata), lesser scaup (Aythya affinis), and harlequin
ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center’s (PWRC) captive sea
duck facility. We used psychoacoustic techniques to train the ducks to respond to sound
stimuli underwater in PWRC’s dive-tanks. Trials are underway in order to obtain underwater
auditory thresholds for these bycatch-sensitive species. Preliminary threshold data suggest
that long-tailed ducks may have less sensitive underwater hearing than marine mammals,
which are the target for most commercial pingers today. In the coming months we will gather
more threshold data from our captive seaducks in order to be able to recommend appropriate
specifications for seaduck targeted acoustic deterrents.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.28: POSTER PRESENTATION
CAPTIVE RAISED GROWTH MODELS FOR SEADUCKS
Kathleen A. McGrew2, Sarah Fitzgerald, and Alicia M. Wells-Berlin
KAM, SF, AMW: USGS, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD, USA
The establishment of Patuxent Wildlife Research Center’s breeding captive colony has
enabled us to collect duckling growth data on multiple species of seaducks and dabbling
ducks, including surf scoters (Melanitta perspicillata), white-winged scoters (Melanitta fusca),
long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis), lesser scaup (Aythya affinis), and harlequin ducks
(Histrionicus histrionicus), and American black ducks (Anas rubripes). Daily weights and
biweekly tarsus and culmen measurements were obtained on ducklings from day of hatch up
to 100 days of maturity for two years, with the objective of developing models that predicted
each respective species’ growth trend. We preliminarily present key parameters of the
Gompertz growth model, including growth rate constants, total growth, and the growth
asymptote, for multiple species. Overall, seaducks had higher growth rates than dabbling
ducks and larger ducks had older ages of peak growth than smaller individuals. These
baseline data could be used as model growth curves of ontogenetic development and peak
growth for individuals encountered in the field, allowing field biologists to use these
measurements to potentially estimate age.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.29: POSTER PRESENTATION
IDENTIFYING AREAS OF IMPORTANCE FOR SEA DUCKS THROUGHOUT THEIR
ANNUAL CYCLE
Nic McLellan, Tim Bowman, Sean Boyd, Shannon Badzinski, Christine Lepage
Scott Gilliland, James Churchill
NM: Ducks Unlimited Canada, Amherst, NS, B4H 3Z5, Canada, [email protected]
TB: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, AK, 99507, USA
SB: Environment Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Delta, BC, V4K 3N2, Canada
SB: Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H3, Canada
CL: Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Québec, QC, G1J 0C3, Canada
SG: Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Sackville, NB, E4L 1G6, Canada
JC: Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre, Sackville, NB, E4L 1G6, Canada
Studies supported by the North American Sea Duck Joint Venture (SDJV) partnership have
helped improve our understanding of important sea duck habitats across the continent and
beyond. This work has involved a variety of techniques including satellite telemetry, and new
or improved waterfowl surveys. The SDJV’s goal is to make information on habitat use
available to decision makers and ultimately improve the conservation and management of
these species. Currently, we are developing an atlas that identifies key sites for sea ducks
throughout North America and documents their seasonal importance, current protection or
designations, and potential threats. Our next step is to make accessible spatially explicit sea
duck data through one or more existing geospatial database hosts that can be queried by
interested folks, along with other environmental parameter data. We envision these products
will be used to: 1) provide justification for protecting areas of importance to sea ducks, 2)
improve decision making for resource development in key areas, 3) direct research
investigating biotic and abiotic features that characterize sea duck habitats, and 4) predict
how habitat conditions may change and potentially impact populations. In this poster we
highlight some of the most important habitats/areas for sea ducks in North America.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.30: POSTER PRESENTATION
ESTIMATING BEHAVIORAL MULITPLIERS TO RESTING METABOLIC RATE IN
AMERICAN BLACK DUCK AND LESSER SCAUP
Jacob W. McPherson, Christopher K. Williams, Alicia M. Berlin, John M. Coluccy
JWM: Graduate Student, Waterfowl and Upland Gamebird Research Program, Department
of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, 253 Townsend Hall, University of Delaware, Newark,
DE, 19713 USA; [email protected]
CKW: Professor of Wildlife Ecology, Waterfowl and Upland Gamebird Research Program,
Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, 253 Townsend Hall, University of Delaware,
Newark, DE, 19713 USA
AMB: Research Biologist, United States Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research
Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD, 20708 USA
JMC: Manager of Conservation Planning, Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office, Ducks
Unlimited, 1220 Eisenhower Place, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108 USA
American black duck (Anas rubripes) and lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) populations have
experienced continual declines over recent decades. Research suggests that these declines
may be the result of a complex of factors including resource availability on non-breeding
landscapes. In an attempt to quantify the ability of a landscape to support migrating and
wintering waterfowl populations, many studies have begun using bioenergetics modeling to
calculate energetic carrying capacity by estimating energy demand and energy supply.
Estimates for many of the physiologic parameters required in calculating energetic demand
(i.e. resting metabolic rates, time-activity budgets, etc.) have been explored, yet estimates of
other critical parameters are still lacking. The objective of this project is to produce estimates
of behavior specific multipliers to resting metabolic rate (RMR) in American black ducks and
lesser scaup. These species were chosen as focal species due to their current population
status and their representation of both the diving and dabbling duck guilds, which allows for
reasonable extrapolation to additional species. We used open-flow respirometry techniques
to estimate RMR and to isolate behavior specific factorial increases to RMR in captive
American black ducks and lesser scaup. Respirometry trials were performed between
September, 2015 and March, 2016 at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD.
Results presented will provide more accurate estimates of daily energetic expenditure for
these species and will ultimately contribute to refined landscape carrying capacity estimates
for waterfowl during the non-breeding period.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.31: POSTER PRESENTATION
ASSESSMENT OF BIOINDICATOR APPROACHES FOR TRACE ELEMENTS AND
SUBLETHAL HEALTH EFFECTS IN SEA DUCKS BREEDING IN ARCTIC ALASKA
Micah W.C. Miller, James R. Lovvorn, Angela C. Matz, Robert J. Taylor, Christopher J.
Latty, David E. Safine, Tuula E. Hollmén
MWCM: Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL, USA; US Fish and Wildlife
Service, Fairbanks Fish and Wildlife Field Office, Fairbanks, AK, USA; [email protected]
JRL: Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL, USA
ACM: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Fairbanks Fish and Wildlife Field Office, Fairbanks, AK,
USA
CJL: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Fairbanks, AK, USA
RJT: Trace Elements Research Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
DES: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Migratory Birds Management, Anchorage, AK USA
TEH: Alaska SeaLife Center, Seward, AK, USA; University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks,
AK, USA
As industrial development, thawing permafrost, and aerial deposition of pollutants increase in
the Arctic, bioindicators to monitor contaminants exposure in a range of community
components are increasingly important. However, indicators are seldom compared to similar
species to verify their relevance. For example, female common eiders (Somateria
mollissima) are widely used indicators of species that use marine habitats for much or all of
the year. However, they are but one of a number of related species found in the Arctic, with
varying migration, diet, and body size which may influence contaminant exposure.
Contaminants may induce a suite of physiological responses, but typically contaminants are
regressed against single markers independently. We examined blood levels of multiple trace
elements, and effects on blood-based biomarkers, in long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis),
Steller’s eiders (Polysticta stelleri), spectacled eiders (Somateria fischeri), king eiders
(Somateria spectabilis), and common eiders nesting in Arctic Alaska. We also assessed
element levels in feathers of king and spectacled eiders. Blood concentrations of elements
varied widely among species, and among ages and sexes within species. Comparisons
among species indicate that element concentrations in blood of common eiders may yield
very different toxicity and biomarker responses than in other species. For all species,
concentrations in feathers ranged from ~6 to over 900 times those in blood, and did not
demonstrate the same relative patterns. Future biomonitoring efforts must consider the
potential variation in metals concentrations among species. Moreover, use of bioindicator
species to infer concentrations and their effects in other species may not always be suitable,
even in closely-related taxa.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.32: POSTER PRESENTATION
LONG-TAILED DUCKS IN WESTERN LAKE MICHIGAN
William P. Mueller, Bryan B. Lenz
WPM, BBL: Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory, 4970 Country Club Rd, Port
Washington, WI 53074, USA
As part of a group of research entities studying pelagic waterfowl in the Great Lakes,
WGLBBO observers surveyed the waters of western Lake Michigan during Phase 1 and 2 of
the Great Lakes Commission’s pelagic waterfowl/waterbird monitoring in 2012-2014. Our
mapped data portray examples of temporal and geographic distribution of Long-tailed Ducks
(LTDU) in the offshore waters of western Lake Michigan, in a zone covering survey blocks
1.6-16.0 km from shore, from Door Co. WI to the WI/IL border, plus additional observations in
the 0-1.6 km zone. LTDU consistently occupy an offshore zone in deeper water and
consistently further from shore than most other diving duck species, with many data records
as far as 16.0 km from shore not uncommon. In both migration seasons, LTDU arrive later
than most other divers, in spring have often migrated out of this zone by early April, and are
replaced there by other, later-migrating species.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.33: POSTER PRESENTATION
USING I-STAT BLOOD RESULTSTO PREDICT P0ST PTT IMPLANT SURVIVAL IN
LONG-TAILED DUCKS AND SCOTERS
Glenn H. Olsen1, Anand Krishnaswamy, Michael C. Runge, Alicia M. Wells-Berlin, Dustin E.
Meattey
GHO, MCR, AMW : USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, [email protected]
AK: Veterinary Medicine Student, Sri Lanka
DEM: University of Rhode Island and Biodiversity Research Institute
We obtained blood samples from Long-tailed Ducks (Clangula hyemalis), Surf Scoters
(Melanitta perspicillata), and White-winged Scoters(Melanitta fusca), after capture and before
surgically implanting the ducks with satellite transmitters (PTTs).The blood samples were
immediately analyzed using an I-Stat blood analysis unit. We followed the ducks postrelease until they died, the battery on the PTT died, or the signal was otherwise lost. Using a
Weibull analysis of the survival data, we are seeking to determine whether any factors
available on the I-Stat cartridge help predict long-term (1-2 years) post-implant survival in
these three species. The I-Stat blood analysis unit is portable, battery operated, and easily
taken into most field conditions where surgery would be performed to implant PTTs. Using
predictive pre-surgical blood screening techniques would enable wildlife biologists and
wildlife veterinarians to better choose the sea ducks to implant with satellite transmitters.
Initial results with a small sample of ducks suggest that the heterophil to eosinophil ratio is a
weak predictor of long-term survival, but none of the I-Stat metrics showed a significant
effect.
Mention of commercial products does not imply US Government endorsement.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.34: POSTER PRESENTATION
LONG-TAILED DUCK AND SCOTER HEMATOLOGY AND SERUM CHEMISTRY
Glenn H. Olsen2, Alicia M. Wells-Berlin, Sara E. Crowell, Kathleen A. McGrew
GHO, AMW, SEC, KAM: USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, Maryland,
[email protected]
Starting in 2006 as part of Sea Duck Joint Venture and Bureau of Ocean and Energy
Management Projects, we collected blood from healthy surf scoters (Melanitta perspicillata),
black scoters (Melanitta americana), white-winged scoters (Melanitta fusca), and long-tailed
ducks (Clangula hyemalis) being banded and receiving satellite transmitter implants. We
report the clinical blood results including white blood cell counts, red blood cell counts,
hematocrits, and serum chemistry results, creating baseline results for each species.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.35: POSTER PRESENTATION
VISUALIZING POPULATION DELINEATION AMONG NORTH AMERICAN SEA DUCKS:
MAPS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT PLANNING
John Pearce, Mary Whalen, and Josh Stiller
JP, MW: U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage,
AK 99508, USA; [email protected]
JS: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway, Albany,
New York, 12233, USA
Most sea duck species remained poorly-studied up until the mid-twentieth century and
population declines were noted in many species beginning in the 1990s. In 1998, the North
American Sea Duck Joint Venture (SDJV) was established to promote “the conservation of
all North American sea ducks through partnerships by providing greater knowledge and
understanding for effective management.” A priority of the SDJV has been to complete
assessments of migratory connectivity to inform population delineation of sea duck species
across North America. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has participated on the
Continental Technical Team and Management Board of the SDJV since its inception, and
provides scientific information relevant to the mission and priorities of the SDJV. Continuing
with that goal, here we provide an update on the status of current knowledge regarding
geographic distribution, migratory connectivity, and population delineation of sea duck
species in North America. We provide maps of all known band recovery, genetic, and
telemetry data across the North American range of sea duck species and visually assess
evidence for population delineation at the continental scale. Results from this exercise
demonstrate consistency across different marker data sets in continental levels of population
delineation for several species, a lack of basic information on population delineation for
others, and evidence for where future research dollars would most efficiently be directed to
enable hypothesis-driven research that addresses knowledge gaps.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.36: POSTER PRESENTATION
ANNUAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE WINTERING DISTRIBUTION OF BLACK
SCOTERS
Hannah M. Plumpton*, Emily D. Silverman, Beth E. Ross
HMP: Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University,
Clemson, SC, USA
BER: U.S. Geological Survey, South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit,
Clemson, SC, USA
EDS: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management, Laurel, MD,
USA
Along the Atlantic coast of the United States there has been an increase in human activity.
These activities include energy production, sand mining, aquaculture, shipping, and coastal
development that all have the potential to greatly impact sea ducks throughout their
migratory cycle. Of the sea ducks wintering along the Atlantic coast the black scoter
(Melanitta americana) has the largest and most variable range, encountering the effects of
global change throughout migration. To better quantify the abundance and wintering
distribution of black scoters and other sea ducks, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
conducted aerial surveys from 2009-2012 along the Atlantic coast. The initial results show
that the core wintering areas used by black scoters varied each year and that black scoters
could be found as far north as the U.S.-Canada border and as far south as the Georgia
coast. We build on this work to further describe the species distribution during winter and
assess the factors affecting their annual distribution using the data from the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service winter surveys. We discuss and identify several key habitat variables
including the ocean depth, substrate type, and the interpolated surface of slope. This study
will increase knowledge on the wintering ecology of black scoters and aid in the development
of future aerial surveys to better quantify abundance, as well as identifying areas of potential
overlap with energy development.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.37: POSTER PRESENTATION
FORAGING DIVE TIMES OF DIVING DUCKS IN A FRESHWATER LAKE
Carrick M. Rice**, Philipp N. Maleko, Tracey Rice, and Luke J. Matthews
CMR: Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis,
Davis, CA, USA, [email protected]
PNM, TR, and LJM: Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of
California, Davis, CA, USA
Behavioral observations of wildlife can offer valuable information about species’ life histories
and ecological interactions. Due to the fact that waterfowl from both the Aythyini and Mergini
forage by diving, investigating factors relating to dive duration could offer valuable insight into
how this shared behavior differs among groups of ducks. Members of both of these tribes
winter and forage at Lake Solano in the Central Valley of California. Observation of their
foraging behavior was undertaken during the winter of 2016 to assess inter- and intraspecific differences, as well as to determine the influence of local environmental factors. Dive
durations were recorded for individuals of each species present at the study site. Also noted
for each dive was the gender of the individual, the location along the lake (water depth), the
time of day, and whether or not the dive was synchronous with other individuals. Data was
collected for seven species: five Mergini (Bucephala albeola, B. clangula, B. islandica,
Mergus merganser and Lophodytes cucullatus) and two Aythyini (Aythya collaris and A.
affinis). Results showed a correlation between species and dive times, as well as water
depth and time of day. While these data are not conclusive owing to the small sample size
and limited spacial scale, they suggest that future studies could focus on determining which
factors are most influential on dive duration in a larger system.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.38: POSTER PRESENTATION
TIMING, DURATION, AND PATHWAYS OF HARLEQUIN DUCK MIGRATION TO PACIFIC
MOLTING AND WINTERING AREAS
Sean Boyd, Beth MacCallum, Malcolm McAdie, Lisa Bate, Chris Hammond, Matt Wilson,
Joseph Evenson, Susan Patla, Lucas Savoy
LS: Biodiversity Research Institute, Portland, ME, USA; [email protected]
SB: Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, BC, Canada
BM: Bighorn Wildlife Technologies, Hinton, AB, Canada
MM: DVM, Nanaimo, BC, Canada
LB: National Park Service, Glacier National Park, West Glacier, MT, USA
CH: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Kalispell, MT, USA
MW and JE: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Lakewood, WA, USA
SP: Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Jackson, WY, USA
The core breeding range for Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) in western North
America extends from Alaska, south through the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and British
Columbia. Smaller, breeding populations exist in southwestern Alberta and the northwestern
US and include areas of Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. Each state and
province has identified the Harlequin Duck as a species of conservation priority, given their
small and isolated populations and specific nesting requirements for pristine mountainstreams. Conservation objectives for these areas have all identified the importance of
mapping migration routes that connect breeding sites to Pacific coast molting and wintering
locations, as well as determining migration timing, duration, habitat use, and stopover sites.
In spring 2016, we captured Harlequin Duck pairs on breeding streams and surgically
implanted satellite transmitters in the males and attached geolocators to the leg bands of
females. We marked a total of 18 male harlequins (Alberta = 10, Montana = 5, Wyoming = 2,
Washington = 1) and 17 females (Alberta = 8, Montana = 5, Wyoming = 2, Washington = 2).
One Montana male was presumably predated shortly after capture; so 17 males successfully
migrated from their breeding streams to their Pacific coast molting locations. Migration
initiation dates for the 17 marked males varied by breeding areas and occurred between
June 03 –July 10. Individual male migration lasted between 1-17 days and stopover sites
were approximately half-way to the coast and included rivers, mountain streams and lakes.
The males arrived at their molting areas between June 05-July 24 and these areas ranged
from southeast Alaska to northwestern Washington. Satellite transmitters are programmed
to provide location data until July 2017 so this will allow us to map their winter sites once they
have completed molting. Efforts will be made to retrieve the geolocators from females in
spring 2017.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10..39: POSTER PRESENTATION
CONTAMINANT CONCENTRATIONS IN THE ENDANGERED SCALY-SIDED
MERGANSER FROM RUSSIA
Diana V. Solovyeva, Lucas Savoy, Oksana Lane, Sergey L. Vartanayan, Christopher
Perkins, and Kevin Regan
The Scaly-sided Merganser (Mergus squamatus) is a highly endangered sea duck, and
breeding exclusively in isolated areas in Far-East Russia, China, and Korea. The Scaly-sided
Merganser’s breeding habitat consists of freshwater rivers within wooded mountainous
regions. Nesting occurs in natural tree cavities or artificial nest boxes erected near the river’s
edge. Post-breeding, the Scaly-sided Merganser migrates to wintering locations, consisting
of river, pond, and ocean areas of central China and primarily in the Yangtze River Basin. In
recent decades, this region has become highly polluted from rapidly increasing industrial
development and agricultural runoff. From 2012-2015, we collected un-hatched or
abandoned eggs, whole blood and feathers from breeding female Scaly-sided Mergansers in
Russia. We also collected feathers from molting male mergansers in Primorye, Far East
Russia. Samples were delivered to the United States for trace element and heavy metal
analyses to determine contaminant exposure to the Scaly-sided Merganser. We analyzed a
total of 53 samples for nine different contaminants and included: silver (Ag), Arsenic (As),
cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn).
We compared results to published sea duck contaminant studies worldwide. The majority of
the contaminants contained concentrations similar to those reported for other sea duck
species, and considered non-harmful background levels. However, Hg and Cr frequently
exceeded concentrations noted in other sea duck studies and may contain concentrations of
concern for the Scaly-sided Merganser. We present the first Scaly-sided Merganser
contaminant data and compare our findings to concentrations reported for several sea duck
species worldwide.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.40: POSTER PRESENTATION
SURVIVAL RATE OF SPECTACLED EIDERS ON AYOPECHAN ISLAND, CHUKOTKA,
RUSSIA
Vera Y. Kokhanova and Diana V. Solovyeva
VYK: Herzen State Pedagogical University, Moika River Embankment, 48, St. Peterburg,
191186, Russia. [email protected]
DVS: Institute of Biological Problems of the North Far East Branch. Russian Academy of
Scieces. Portovaya Str., 18, Magadan, 685000, Russia
Demography of Spectacled Eiders (Somateria fischeri) was investigated during 2002 – 2015,
with breaks in 2006 and in 2014, on Ayopechan Island, Chaun Delta, Chukotka, Russia. 52
square nest search plots (1 km2 each) set up in 2003 but these were reduced to 40 in 2007
as unsuitable plots were removed. At least 40 plots were in use annually after 2007. All
active and depredated nests were recorded. All active nests were revisited in 10-day interval.
We used water test for determined stages of incubation and captured females at their nests 0
to 5 days prior to predict hatch date using mechanical or automatic bow-trap, or a small net.
In addition to nesting females we captured non of failure breeding females with mist-nets on
their feeding lakes. Females were marked with Moscow standard bands and engraved
plastic bands with alfa-numeric code. A total 135 adult females were marked between 2002
and 2015 and 22 ducklings were banded between 2003 and 2004. Females were resighted
during nesting in the years following banding year by capturing or by use of camera-traps.
Forty two females were recaptured in subsequent years. Comrack-Jolly-Seber maximum
likelihood approach was used to estimate annual survival (φ) and resighting probabilities (p)
from mark-resight data. Based on data, which were collected during field study on
Ayopechan Island, we estimated recapture probabilities, median age of first reproduction,
natal and breeding site fidelity of Spectacled Eider females.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.41: POSTER PRESENTATION
WINTER DIVING ACTIVITY OF SPECTACLED EIDER SOMATERIA FISCHERI AS
REVEALED BY PRESSURE TAG
Diana V. Solovyeva
DVS: Institute of Biological Problems of the North, FEB RAS, Magadan, Russia
[email protected]
Four females Spectacled Eiders were equipped with pressure tags with three tags by Cefas
Co, United Kingdom, and one tag by Lotek Co, Canada. Females were trapped at their nests
in Chaun-Delta, Chukotka, Russia, in June 2010 and June 2012. Only females which showed
site-fidelity to the same nest site were selected for tag deployment. Two females were
recaptured after two years of tag wearing. One more female was recaptured after 3 years but
tag wasn’t retrieved. Among two tags retrieved one was recording diving depth and
temperatures for 5 days between 1 and 5 of November 2010. Second tag was injected salt
water and didn’t provide a record. Diving tag recorded pressure and temperature data in one
minute interval. Maximal diving depth averaged 43.05 m. Diving sessions timing and
duration, dive and pause duration are discussed.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.42: POSTER PRESENTATION
COAST TO COAST: ASSESSING MIGRATORY CONNECTIVITY OF NORTH AMERICAN
SCOTERS
Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Robert E. Wilson, Philip Lavretsky, and John M. Pearce
SAS, REW, and JMP: USGS Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Dr., Anchorage AK,
USA; [email protected]
PL: University of Texas El Paso, Department of Biological Sciences, El Paso TX, USA
Understanding how populations of migratory species are geographically linked throughout
the annual cycle (i.e. migratory connectivity) is fundamental to understanding the genetic and
demographic structure of populations, as well as where and when conservation measures
should be implemented. Among North American seaducks, assessing connectivity is
challenging as species have large distributions, varied migratory strategies and dispersal
propensities. Many seaduck species exhibit some level of breeding and wintering site
fidelity; though unless seasonal fidelity is accompanied by philopatry, it does not result in
breeding population structure as young birds disperse among regions linking demographic
parameters. Although scoters have similar life history characteristics, patterns in their
breeding and wintering distributions are species-specific (based on banding and telemetry
data), potentially influencing the degree of migratory connectivity. Black Scoters are highly
segregated (east and west coast); coincident with their discontinuous breeding distribution.
Surf Scoters have a continuous breeding distribution with limited overlap between eastern
and western segments in winter. Despite a disjunct breeding distribution, White-winged
Scoters are likely highly admixed in winter due to movement of central region birds to both
coasts. Species, such as the scoters, with limited detailed data on migratory and dispersal
patterns, genetic data can provide much needed insight into population connectivity and
delineation. We used genome-wide scans (i.e., RadSeq) to assess population genetic
structure of the three North American scoter species across four regions (Alaska, Pacific,
Central, and Atlantic). This method allowed us to scan larger portions of the genome (>
3000 loci) than past efforts, enhancing our ability to uncover shallow genetic divergence (a
general characteristic of high-latitude species) and detect loci promoting divergence among
geographic regions. These data will provide additional information on where (or if)
demographic breaks as evidenced by restricted dispersal among regions are occurring and
aid managers in delineating populations.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.43: POSTER PRESENTATION
A REVIEW OF SEA DUCK HARVEST IN WASHINGTON STATE: MONITORING HUNTER
PARTICIPATION AND HARVEST TRENDS
Kyle A. Spragens, Joseph R. Evenson, and Matthew T. Wilson
KAS, JRE, MTW: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Waterfowl Section, 600
Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA 98501, USA
Substantial waterfowl populations in the Pacific Flyway over the last 15 years have allowed
for liberal seasons and bag limits. Current regulations are among the most liberal ever
offered in Washington and beginning with the 2014-15 season hunters could retain three
times the daily bag in their possession for most waterfowl. The 2015-16 waterfowl harvest
was regulated under Washington State regulations following federal framework
recommendations and allowed the maximum (107 days) number of days under the Migratory
Bird Treaty Act; by which, Washington’s season length was 105 days statewide with two
additional days for the statewide Youth Hunt. The daily bag-limit was 7 ducks, but
Washington State elected to further restrict sea duck harvest to include not more than 1
harlequin (season limit), 2 scoter, 2 long-tailed duck, and 2 goldeneye in western Washington
due to concerns over low recruitment in sea ducks and the potential for small harvest to be
focused on a disproportionately high concentration of certain species relative to the rest of
the Pacific Flyway winter distribution. Because statewide surveys are not accurate enough to
measure harvest of several priority waterfowl species, special surveys have been developed
that utilize written hunting authorizations and mandatory reporting. The sea duck (harlequin,
scoter and long-tailed duck), brant, and snow goose harvest is estimated annually using a
mandatory harvest report card for each species. Written authorization and harvest reports
have been required of sea duck hunters in all of western Washington since 2004. The
harvest survey indicated a total harvest of 737 scoters, 103 long-tailed ducks, 88 harlequin
ducks and 451 goldeneyes. The reported goldeneye harvest included 60% common
goldeneye. From 2,113 authorizations, an estimated 632 hunters were successful and
hunted a total of 1,810 days. Primary harvest areas included Island, Mason, Skagit, Clallam,
Pierce, and Whatcom counties. Patterns in harvest are consistent with distributional patterns
detected during extensive annual aerial survey efforts of the Puget Sound region. Since
adoption of the 2004 mandatory harvest card reporting requirement, harvest of the primary
species, surf scoter, has been reduced by more than 50%, but some level of harvest has
been maintained on the seven species of sea duck commonly sought after by the state’s
waterfowling community.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.44: POSTER PRESENTATION
NEST ATTENDANCE PATTERNS OF COMMON EIDERS AT WAPUSK NATIONAL PARK
IN NORTHERN MANITOBA
Tanner J. Stechmann, David T. Iles, Andrew F. Barnas, Samuel D. Hervey, Robert F.
Rockwell, and Susan N. Ellis-Felege
TJS, AFB, SDH, SNEF: University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA and The Hudson
Bay Project
DTI: Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA and The Hudson Bay Project
RFR: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, USA, and The Hudson Bay
Project
Common eiders (Somateria mollissima) have been well studied because of their value to the
down industry. However, little data is available regarding detailed nesting behaviors in areas
where down is not commercially harvested. Nesting behaviors of incubating hens can be
reflective of changing environmental conditions important to reproductive success. The
objective of this study was to explore factors influencing nest attendance patterns of female
common eiders breeding along the western Hudson Bay in Wapusk National Park, Manitoba,
Canada. During 2014-2016 nests were located using systematic searches, and eggs were
candled to determine incubation stage. Time-lapse photography was used to monitor a
subset of common eider nests within the colony. Cameras were left at the nest until hatch or
failure, and photographs were reviewed to record female attendance patterns. We examined
the influence of covariates including nest location within the colony and incubation stage on
the number and duration of daily recess events and overall incubation constancy. Preliminary
results from 2014-2015 show female eiders took 2 recesses per day, each lasting an
average of 29 minutes. Females spent approximately 97% of their time incubating which
decreased slightly as incubation age progressed. We found little variation in incubation
constancy regardless of distance to center of the colony or proximity to nearest neighboring
nest. Changes in recess number and duration may indicate shifts in resource availability to
eiders in this colony prior to breeding and may play a role in observed annual variation of
reproductive success and overall colony dynamics.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.45: POSTER PRESENTATION
THE ENERGETIC COSTS AND REPRODUCTIVE BENEFITS OF MATE GUARDING IN A
DIVING SEADUCK
Rolanda J. Steenweg*, Holly L. Hennin, Pierre Legagneux, H. Grant Gilchrist, Glenn T.
Crossin, and Oliver P. Love
RJS and GTC: Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada;
[email protected]
HLH and OPL: Department of Biological Sciences and Great Lakes Institute for
Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
PL: Département de biologie & Centre d’études nordiques, Université´ du Québec à
Rimouski, QC, Canada
HGG: Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa,
ON, Canada
Reproduction is an energetically demanding life history stage, with males and females
exhibiting different types of costs. In species with female-based, mono-parental care, male
reproductive investment often comes in the form of mate or territorial defense, which can
often impact the reproductive success of their mate. Although there are substantial energetic
costs predicted to be associated with mate guarding in the pre-breeding period, the
mechanisms regulating energetics at this stage, and the mechanisms linking male condition
to female reproductive success, are currently poorly understood. Common eiders nesting at
East Bay Island are a model species to explore the relationship between male and female
state because of both members of each pair are captured simultaneously during the prebreeding period. Male eiders are expected be decline in condition during the pre-breeding
period compared to an increasing condition of their paired female because males must
expend significant amounts of energy defending their mate from extra-pair copulations or
defending her foraging territory. Consequently, there will be an increasing disparity in relative
state across the pre-breeding period as male condition declines. Here we examine whether
variation in male energetic physiology (corticosterone, triglycerides, beta-hyroxybutyrate,
non-esterified fatty acids and immunoglobulin Y) is able to predict the subsequent condition
of their paired female, and by extension her subsequent breeding decisions (likelihood of
breeding). We hypothesize that males in lower relative condition — with higher baseline
corticosterone and beta-hydroxybutyrate, and lower triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids,
and immunoglobulin Y — may ultimately benefit via their females laying earlier and
successfully breeding. These results will be important in explaining indirect drivers of
reproductive timing and success in Arctic-nesting common eiders, and identifying
mechanisms underlying sex-specific, reproductive trade-offs.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.46: POSTER PRESENTATION
ASSESSING HUNTING SUSTAINABILITY IN A DECLINING FLYWAY POPULATION OF
COMMON EIDERS Somateria mollissima
Rune S. Tjørnløv, Morten Frederiksen, Roger Pradel and Rémi Choquet
RST and MF: Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000
Roskilde, Denmark; [email protected]
RP and RC: Centre d’Ecologie Fonctionnelle & Evolutive/CNRS, route du Mende, 34293
Montpellier 5, France
For harvested species, management decisions have the power to greatly influence
population dynamics. Therefore, managers must ensure that harvest is well balanced and
does not remove more than a sustainable population surplus. Ideally, this assessment should
investigate how much hunting harvest contributes to total mortality and ultimately how it
affects population dynamics. We constructed ring-recovery and ring-recapture-recovery
multistate models which account for cause-specific reporting probabilities to estimate
unbiased proportions of the Baltic/Wadden Sea population of the Common Eider Somateria
mollissima dying due to 1) hunting and 2) other causes. We first used a ring-recovery model
and life histories of > 18.000 Eiders ringed at ten study sites to estimate annual proportions
of adult female Eiders dying due to hunting (αh) during 1971-2014. By means of a ringrecapture-recovery analytical framework we also estimated the proportion of ducklings (and
adult females) dying due to hunting at two sites. We then extracted means of all available
demographic data and specified population projection models that allowed us to investigate
the effect of past and present hunting regulations on changes in population size at the flyway
level. To account for uncertainties in flyway population size estimates, depending on the type
of census, we modelled two scenarios. Our results indicate that even under a best case
scenario a complete ban on shooting fecund females is not enough to stop the observed
decline, because of increases in natural mortality of both adult females and immatures over
the last 2 decades. Although, levels of natural mortality must decrease in order to fully halt
the decline of the Baltic/Wadden Sea flyway population, we advocate to maintain and extent
the current ban on hunting females to also apply to immature male age classes.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.47: POSTER PRESENTATION
A SURVEY OF SEA DUCK PREY ITEMS ACROSS FOUR SITES ON THE YUKONKUSKOKWIM DELTA, ALASKA
Sadie E.G. Ulman, Elizabeth A. Ruffman, and Tuula E. Hollmén
SEGU and EAR: The Alaska SeaLife Center, Seward, AK, USA
TEU: The Alaska SeaLife Center, Seward, AK, USA and College of Fisheries and Ocean
Sciences, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK, USA
The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta is a globally important area for wildlife, and supports a high
biodiversity and abundance of migrating and nesting marine birds and waterfowl. Changes in
the environment due to climate change affect wetland ecology in this region. The objective of
this project is to identify potential diet items for ground nesting waterfowl across coastal
areas in the central Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, and support planning for potential Steller's
eider (Polysticta stelleri) reintroduction efforts. In 2014 and 2015, four wetland sites were
selected and sampled including Kigigak Island and three sites along the Kashunuk river
system, representing a gradient of locations from close to shore to 13 miles inland. Ponds
were randomly selected within a 1km radius of each of four established sites, with additional
criteria of >500 m from same community type and >100 m from border of an adjacent
community type. Two benthic samples (125 ml) were collected from each pond using a 0.5L
Van Veen grab. Samples were cleaned, stained with Rose Bengal to identify seeds and
invertebrates, separated, identified to family or species when possible, and dried and
weighed to obtain dry weight. In 2014, 67 ponds were sampled, and in 2015 an additional 16
ponds were added. One hundred and fifty samples were processed and from those, 47 total
potential diet items (35 invertebrates and 12 seeds) were found. Mean biomass (g/ml) was
summarized for each item across the four sites and years. Across all pond samples in 2014,
invertebrates with highest biomass (g/ml) included: Gastropoda, Chironomidae, Cladocera,
Ostracoda, and Copepoda, and in 2015 Hydrozetes, Isopoda, Ostracoda, Chironomidae, and
Gastropoda. In both years, the seeds with highest mean biomass (g/ml) in ponds were Carex
species, Hippuris species, Potagometon species, Empetrum species and an unknown seed
species. This assessment provides information on prey biodiversity and biomass available
during the waterfowl brood rearing period in locations on coastal Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.48: POSTER PRESENTATION
BREEDING AND MIGRATION DELINEATION OF SURF SCOTERS WINTERING IN
SOUTHEAST ALASKA
David H. Ward, Corey S. VanStratt, Daniel Esler, Katherine M. Brodhead, and Brian D.
Uher-Koch
DHW, DE, BDUK: Alaska Science Center, US Geological Survey, Anchorage, AK, USA
CSVS, KMB: Centre for Wildlife Ecology, Simon Fraser University, Department of Biological
Sciences, Burnaby, Canada
Declines in sea duck populations have highlighted the need for additional basic research
across the life cycle of these long-distance migratory birds. A lack of basic ecological
information on Surf Scoters (Melanitta perspicillata), including the linkage between wintering
and breeding areas is a major impediment to determining factors contributing to their decline.
Therefore we marked Surf Scoters with satellite transmitters near Juneau, Alaska in 20082010 to describe their nesting location in the boreal forest and migration chronology and
locations during fall and spring. Surf Scoters initiated spring migration in late April and early
May, staged on lakes of the south central Yukon in mid May and reached the nesting
grounds of Great Slave Lake and northern Yukon in late May. After breeding, some birds
migrated west along the Arctic coast of Alaska and staged in Norton Sound and Bristol Bay,
Alaska between July and September, while others retraced their spring migration southward
to winter in southeast Alaska and Washington.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.49: POSTER PRESENTATION
WHAT’S EATING COMMON EIDER EGGS? NEST CAMERAS TELL THE REAL STORY
Wilhelm L. Wiese, Tuula E. Hollmen, Mark S. Lindberg, Christopher J. Latty
WLW: Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK.
TEH: Marine Science Institute, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK; Alaska SeaLife Center, Seward, AK.
MSL: Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK.
CJL: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Fairbanks, AK.
Nest predation is a significant limiting factor to the reproductive success of Pacific common
eiders (Somateria mollissima v-nigrum, COEI). COEIs nesting on barrier islands and spits in
the Beaufort Sea may be at increased risk of predation due to changes in predator densities
and distributions. Examples include reported increases of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and polar
bears (Ursus maritimus) on the coast during the nesting period. Observational studies of
individual nesting colonies have identified arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) and glaucous gulls
(Larus hyperboreus) as primary nest predators, but data on predator impacts at a larger
scale is limited. Determination of nest predators at dispersed nest sites is traditionally
accomplished by evaluating evidence left at the nest. However this method has been
criticized for being subjective. Using quantitative analysis to evaluate predator evidence has
been proposed as a more objective method and relies on development of predator-evidence
profiles from observed depredation events. During June-July 2015 and 2016, we placed
time-lapse cameras at approximately 150 COEI nest sites to record causes of nest fate.
Glaucous gulls, arctic foxes, polar bears, grizzly bears (Ursus arctos), and golden eagles
(Aquila chrysaetos), were the most common nest predators. In 2016, we also used both
traditional and quantitative methods for evaluating evidence of nest predators and compared
results to observations from time-lapse camera footage. Preliminary findings suggest that
both the traditional and quantitative methods are unreliable for determining nest predators on
the barrier islands. Flooding events, wind erosion, and multiple predators at individual nests
lead to ambiguous or unclear evidence of nest fate.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.50: POSTER PRESENTATION
AERIAL SURVEY DETECTION FOR SPECTACLED EIDERS AND OTHER WATERBIRDS
ON THE ARCTIC COASTAL PLAIN OF ALASKA
Heather M. Wilson, Robert A. Stehn, William W. Larned, Tamara K. Zeller, and Robert T.
Platte
HMW, RAS, WWL, TAZ, RTP: Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Anchorage, AK, USA; [email protected]
We estimated detection probability of spectacled eiders and other waterbird species on aerial
transect surveys flown on the Arctic Coastal Plain, Alaska. Our primary goal was to adjust
the population index towards a less-biased population estimate in order to better measure
recovery criteria for the threatened spectacled eider. A secondary goal was to determine
relative detection rates for all large waterbirds on the Arctic Coastal Plain, and identify
important sources of variation in perception bias. We conducted aerial surveys in early June
2015 and 2016 using fixed-wing aircraft with independent, simultaneous observations by
front and rear-seat observers; aka the double-observer technique. We reconciled matchedsightings of front- and rear-seat observations post-hoc, using time of observation as the
primary matching criteria. We analyzed over 5000 sightings of more than 20 species,
including 5 sea duck species: king, spectacled, and common eiders, long-tailed ducks, and
white-winged scoters. Using RMARK, we examined a suite of mark-resight models of
detection probability relative to species, species group, crew, day, group size, and year.
Support was highest for models with differences in detection between species type (e.g.,
swan, loon, eider, goose, gull, duck), group size (singles, pairs, small and medium flocks),
and observer crew (front and back seat observer pairings). Average front-observer detection
rates ranged from 40-50% in ducks, 50-60% in gulls, and 60-70+% in swans, loons, eiders,
and geese. Our results provide visibility detection estimates for adjustment of aerial survey
indices to population estimates, while also elucidating the influence of important covariates.
Admittedly, our estimated detection rates are maximum values, as the methods we employed
only correct for elements of perception bias, not availability bias.
6th International Sea Duck Conference
Poster Presentations
Tuesday, 7 Feb 2017, 19:30
10.51: POSTER PRESENTATION
KODIAK ISLAND COOPERATIVE BARROW'S GOLDENEYE NEST BOX PROJECT
Denny Zwiefelhofer, John Crye, and Robin Corcoran
DZ: P.O.Box 2100, Kodiak, AK 99615; [email protected]
JC: Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game, 351 Research Court, Kodiak, AK 99615
RC: Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, 1390 Buskin River Rd., Kodiak, AK 99615
In 2010, a project was initiated to provide nesting habitat and collect basic productivity
information for Barrow's goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) by placing nest boxes on lakes
along the Kodiak road system and in a remote area, Karluk Lake. The number of nest boxes
available for use varied in road system (range 22-26) and remote locations (range 20-21)
with an annual project average of 45 boxes available from 2010-2016. This cooperative
effort is supported by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Kodiak National Wildlife
Refuge, Lesnoi Corporation, Koniag Corporation, U.S. Coast Guard - Integrated Support
Command Kodiak, and private individuals. Annual box occupancy rates by goldeneye
ranged from 19% in 2011 to 45% in 2016 with a mean occupancy of 33% over the period.
Barrow's goldeneyes using project boxes had an estimated average clutch size ranging from
5.9 eggs in 2011 to 9.3 eggs in 2016 with a mean of 7.6 eggs/clutch for project boxes to
date. Estimated nest box mean hatching success for known outcome clutches (N = 86) was
84% and ranged from 62% in 2014 to 96% in 2012. Unhatched eggs (N = 75) from
abandoned clutches (N = 1) and non-incubated “dump” clutches (N = 8) accounted for 63%
of all unhatched nest box eggs (N = 120). Road system nest boxes located on lakes <10
hectares in size have had the majority of use by goldeneye to date. Four road system nest
boxes, (1 box - 2014; 3 boxes - 2016) were used by common mergansers (Mergus
merganser) and had a 97% hatching success of an average clutch of 8.3 eggs per box. Red
squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) have dominated occupancy of road system boxes
located on lakes >10 hectares. Project nest boxes have produced over 550 Barrow's
goldeneye young since 2011.